Off the plan apartments in Melbourne&#39;s sought-after eastern suburbs offer an affordable entry price in to the property market.

The east is made up by the likes of&nbsp;Glen Waverley, Hawthorn, Box Hill, Kew and&nbsp;Canterbury.

Urban has taken a look at four of the top apartments for sale East&nbsp;of the Melbourne CBD.

1. Sky Garden, Glen Waverley

Two-bedroom apartments from $668,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2881 project_image_fid=148771]

GoldenAge Group have recently completed their development Sky Garden Glen Waverley, located above the redeveloped shopping centre The Glen.

The three towers, designed by&nbsp;Rothelowman, home 536 apartments, with only around 75 left to sell.

Prices starting from $498,000 for one bedroom apartments and $668,000 for two bedroom apartments. Three bedroom apartments are priced from $1,118,000.

Sky Garden residents will have access to a resident-only rewards program.&nbsp;The customised app gives residents a reward program for retail outlets in The Glen shopping plaza.

2. Hawthorn Park, Hawthorn East

Two-bedroom apartments from $670,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=158928]

For those&nbsp;prioritising luxury living, Hawthorn Park in Melbourne&#39;s Camberwell is turning heads.

Designed by multi-award-winning architect, Rothelowman, Hawthorn Park reimagines the norm of apartment living.&nbsp;

Hawthorn Park boasts unparalleled amenities - from Melbourne&#39;s first sky pool and theatre rooms in selected apartments to a stunning sky lounge and approximately 2000 square metres of parkland curated by landscape architect Jack Merlo.&nbsp;

Pack with features&nbsp;you are definitely getting the above and beyond with resort style amenities.

3. TWO51 on Swan, Richmond

Two-bedroom apartments from $1,030,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3298 project_image_fid=30548]

Expected to reach completion in August, TWO51 on Swan offers the rare opportunity for half and full-floor penthouses in Melbourne&rsquo;s Richmond.

Blueprint Projects&rsquo; development offers buyers two, three and four-bedroom configurations in the art deco-inspired building, designed by Watson Young Architects.

Other features include a grand lobby, open-plan layouts, and an expansive open-air &lsquo;winter garden&rsquo;, with integrated balustrades finished with stone, timber and metal textures.

4. Light Edge

One-bedroom apartments&nbsp;from $400,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2439 project_image_fid=95045]

Also in Richmond but appealing more to the first home buyer is Light Edge, the BPM developed block of 31 apartments designed by DKO.

One bedroom apartments in the six level complex start from $400,000, which includes a parking space, and sits just over one kilometre from The G.

Both striking and luxurious, residents are welcomed into curated spaces of exquisite materials and finishes including stone, polished chrome and beautifully considered oak timbers. Light Edge&rsquo;s interior design responds to the demands of contemporary urban living, while car and storage facilities deliver convenience and security

5. The Parade

One-bedroom apartments starting from $465,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3194 project_image_fid=25875]

Coming to Box Hill is The Parade, designed by award-winning architects&nbsp;Hayball and comprising of 58 one and two bedroom residences across 12 floors.

The building&rsquo;s signature cascading facade gives the ability to deliver generous balconies with uninterrupted sky views and light-filled living spaces and varied floor plans to appeal to a diverse range of buyers.&nbsp;

Living in Box Hill is effortless, with tree-lined streets, parks, reserves, schools, employment, major shopping and transport options all within walking distance from your home.

The Parade is 14km from inner-city Melbourne. With the Box Hill Station and an extensive tram line on Whitehorse Road, travelling is simple and easy.

Urban has taken a look at five of the top apartments for sale east of the Melbourne CBD

jordan_55689

Top apartments you can buy in Melbourne's eastern suburbs

Investors are starting to make their way back in to the property market.

ABS figures at the start of the month showed that, over March, investor lending rose 12.7 per cent.

Victoria saw the second biggest commitment by investors, above the average and up 13.7 per cent, only second to Queensland (+19 per cent) and ahead of New South Wales (+13 per cent)

Check out which suburbs have been drawing the attention of investors on Urban&nbsp;in April.

1. Live City, Footscray

Price: Two-bedroom apartments from $460,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3565 project_image_fid=68172]

Live City is a new addition to the list of most popular projects&nbsp;among investors however it has seen continuous interest among first home buyers

Part of a new master planned community, Live City comprises 208 residences spread across 14 floors, delivered by developer R&amp;F Property Australia.

Set to deliver over 1,400 apartments across eight buildings, the Footscray project brings together a fully-integrated, mixed-use community that’s thriving with character and history.

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, each residence features floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary interiors and an abundance of natural light.

2. Ryrie Home, Geelong

Price: Two-bedroom apartments from $699,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88244]

Ryrie Homes was Urban's most popular investor project for Q1 2021 and this month's results show it's ongoing appeal, with Geelong's strong performance as one of the nation's most sought-after regional areas doing excellent work for this development.

Delivered by Franzé, each Ryrie Home apartment has been cleverly designed by Architectus to deliver great amenity, comfort and abundant storage, with timber flooring, beautiful finishes and quality fixtures.

Each apartment enjoys panoramic bay views and alfresco dining for year-round holiday living.

With the foreshore, 500m north and the CBD, 500m east—as well as parks, theatres, galleries, cafés and restaurants all within walking distance—Ryrie Home offers a level of culture and connection unmatched in Geelong.

Plus for first home buyers looking for something on the more affordable side, one-bedroom apartments start at $375,000.

3. Haven Townhomes,&nbsp;Keysborough

Price: Three-bedroom townhouses from $675,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8082 project_image_fid=59639]

For those Investors seeking something larger Haven Townhomes has been very eye-catching with affordable and stylish three and four bedroom townhomes on offer

Brought to you by Aultun Group, the development was designed by Cera Stribley Architects.

The Haven estate encompasses a variety of two storey floor plans with the option of choosing a house and land package, or an off-the-plan purchase.

Situated surrounded by thriving wetlands and meandering walking trails, each of the 59 Haven Townhomes are in a prime position for stunning views, access to nature and world-class amenities.

It is set for completion in December 2021.

4. Melbourne Square, Southbank

Price: Two-bedroom apartments from $642,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929 project_image_fid=137896]

OSK Property are the group behind the boutique collection of homes at Melbourne Square.

Featuring four distinct themes, it has been architecturally designed by Cox Architecture, with interiors by designer Sue Carr, creating flawless spaces which make the most of the spectacular city views on offer.

Each bedroom boasts a stunning view via floor-to-ceiling glazing, plus the master suites offer a unique panoramic city vista.

Set for completion in mid 2021, amenities include a full-line Woolworths and other shops as well as resort-style facilities including pools, sauna, spa, gymnasium and a yoga room.

5. Sky Garden, Glen Waverley

Price: Two-bedroom apartments from $668,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2881 project_image_fid=148737]

Sky Garden, the latest development by the diversified property group Golden Age, spans three towers across the new and improved The Glen shopping centre in Melbourne's Glen Waverley.

Famed architecture firm Rothelowman designed the three apartment buildings, soaring 12, 13 and 20 levels and homing 555 one, two and three-bedroom apartments,

The apartment development is part of the $430 million Glen redevelopment which completed construction in December 2020.

Sky Garden features over 4,000 square metres of internal and external facilities with one of the most impressive features unsurprisingly being the garden in the sky.

ABS figures at the start of the month showed that, over March, investor lending rose 12.7 per cent

The most popular VIC projects for investors in April on Urban

Townhouses outside of central business district&#39;s are becoming increasingly popular with first home buyers and young families.

They are offering the best of both worlds for the entry level buyer. There&#39;s&nbsp;the potential for young or prospective families to have more space, and a spare room for a home office for young professionals who are no longer needed in the office five days a week.

Urban has taken a look at four of the top townhomes for sale west of the Melbourne CBD.

1. LUMA, Sunshine North 
Two-bedroom townhomes from $515,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27783 project_image_fid=96895]

LUMA is&nbsp;Development Victoria&rsquo;s latest way of living in a connected, masterplanned community of homes that inspire healthier living.

Development Victoria are passionate about making Victoria a great place to be, building great homes and communities where people and business can thrive.

LUMA&rsquo;s Urban and Tempo homes have been architecturally designed to make everyday living easier. These contemporary one, two, three and four&nbsp;bedroom townhomes offer a wide range of smart floor plans making it easy to find the right home for you. 
 
Current release includes two bedroom homes from $515k.

2. St. A, St Albans 
Three-bedroom townhomes from $591,500.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7633 project_image_fid=80007]

St A. is the new townhouse development from renowned developer Cedar Woods.

Estimated to be completed in mid-2022, St A. will comprise 254 townhouses with six different floor plans.

The townhouses are designed by the well known DKO Architecture with three bed configurations starting from $591,500. There are two bedroom townhouses priced from $524,000 and four bedroom townhouses from $644,000.

St A is located just 16 kilometres from Melbourne CBD and is within walking distance of schools, parks, Victoria University, public transport and the vibrant local village.

3. Haven, Altona North 
Two-bedroom&nbsp;townhomes from $605,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29947 project_image_fid=93183]

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.

Each residence features expansive, open-plan interiors, a contemporary material palette and outdoor entertainment areas, including private back yards and shared green space

Built around a serene central park, the development continues&nbsp;Stockland&rsquo;s strong history of producing sustainable developments.

4. Marshal Place, Williams Landing 
Four-bedroom townhomes from $569,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29660 project_image_fid=96940]

Cedar Woods&rsquo; Marshal Place is a collection of beautiful three and four-bedroom townhomes, located just 20-kilometres from the Melbourne CBD and surrounded by parklands.

The four-bedroom townhouses start from an affordable $569,000 boasting contemporary design, light-filled living rooms and an engineered stone benchtop.

The townhomes which offer turn-key and hassle-free options and are backed with a 25-year structural guarantee.

Located in close proximity to Williams Landing town centre, Altona Beach and countless educational facilities, it is well placed for any lifestyle.

Townhouse buyers are continuing to look further afield, seeking the best and latest in both location and value for money

Top townhomes under $650,000 in Melbourne's west

The ongoing&nbsp;surge in home financing and purchasing took a hit in April as one of the key drivers, the HomeBuilder Grant, came to an end in March.&nbsp;

Many developers however are sighting that the&nbsp;completion of the HomeBuilder Grant has failed to deter first home buyers (FHB).

Check out which suburbs have been drawing the attention of first home buyers in April.

Here are Urban&rsquo;s most popular suburbs among FHB&#39;s:

<h2>1. Footscray</h2>

Live City 
Address: 124-188 Ballarat Road,&nbsp;Footscray&nbsp;VIC 3011 
Two-bedroom apartments from $460,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3565 project_image_fid=77396]

Footscray has once again topped the list of most popular suburbs among first home buyers as it did in Q1, with strong interest shown in Live City.

Part of a new master planned community, Live City comprises 208 residences spread across 14 floors, delivered by developer R&amp;F Property Australia.

Set to deliver over 1,400 apartments across eight buildings, the&nbsp;Footscray&nbsp;project brings together a fully-integrated, mixed-use community that&rsquo;s thriving with character and history.

Designed by&nbsp;Elenberg Fraser, each residence features floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary interiors and an abundance of natural light.

It is the second most affordable development included&nbsp;on this list with a one bedroom abode available from $350,000.

<h2>2. Southbank</h2>

Melbourne Square 
93-119 Kavanagh Street, Southbank VIC 3006 
Two-bedroom apartments from $642,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929 project_image_fid=139896]

Closing in on Footscray in popularity this month&nbsp;is Southbank, and for good reason, with&nbsp;Southbank&#39;s Melbourne Square being the third most popular development among FHB&#39;s this month.

OSK Property are the group behind the boutique collection of homes at Melbourne Square.

Featuring four distinct themes, it has been architecturally designed by Cox Architecture, with interiors by designer Sue Carr, creating flawless spaces which make the most of the spectacular city views on offer.

Each bedroom boasts a stunning view via floor-to-ceiling glazing, plus the master suites offer a unique panoramic city vista.

Set for completion in mid 2021, amenities include a full-line Woolworths and other shops as well as resort-style facilities including pools, sauna, spa, gymnasium and a yoga room.

<h2>3. Reservoir</h2>

The Plenty Residences 
Address: 830 Plenty Road, Reservoir VIC 3073

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3295 project_image_fid=21539]

Enter Reservoir&rsquo;s largest residential project in the suburb&rsquo;s history, The Plenty Residences. Consisting of 328 apartments, 17 townhouses, and 11 commercial suites across four buildings of varying heights up to 12 storeys, The Plenty is overseen by developer JLF Property Group.

Architeria Architects have created a central area of vibrant greens destined to be The Plenty&rsquo;s focal point, offering a welcoming place where residents can take refuge after a busy day or entertain friends and family.

Enjoying panoramic views of the city and mountains, the residences offer a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and townhouses.

You can take advantage of the communal areas, set to include a swimming pool, barbecue, and children&rsquo;s play areas. With 231 bike spaces and 394 car spaces, The Plenty Residences will have plenty of room for people of all ages.

<h2>4. Keysborough</h2>

Haven Townhomes 
Address: 42 Homeleigh Road,&nbsp;Keysborough&nbsp;VIC 3173 
Three-bedroom townhouses from $675,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8082 project_image_fid=59639]

For those First Home Buyers with a family, or seeking something larger Haven Townhomes has been very eye-catching with affordable and stylish three and four bedroom townhomes on offer

Brought to you by Aultun Group, the development was designed by&nbsp;Cera Stribley Architects.

The Haven estate encompasses a variety of two storey floor plans with the option of choosing a house and land package, or an&nbsp;off-the-plan&nbsp;purchase.

Situated surrounded by thriving wetlands and meandering walking trails, each of the 59 Haven Townhomes are in a prime position for stunning views, access to nature and world-class&nbsp;amenities.

It is set for completion in December 2021.

<h2>5. Geelong</h2>

Ryrie Home 
44 Ryrie Street, Geelong VIC 3220 
Two-bedroom apartments from $699,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88245]

Ryrie Homes was Urban&#39;s most popular investor project for Q1 2021, however this month&#39;s results show its appeal to&nbsp;first home buyers, with Geelong&#39;s strong performance as one of the nation&#39;s most sought-after regional areas doing excellent work for this development.

Delivered by Franz&eacute;, each Ryrie Home apartment has been cleverly designed by Architectus to deliver great amenity, comfort and abundant storage, with timber flooring, beautiful finishes and quality fixtures.

Each apartment enjoys panoramic bay views and alfresco dining for year-round holiday living.

With the foreshore, 500m north and the CBD, 500m east&mdash;as well as parks, theatres, galleries, caf&eacute;s and restaurants all within walking distance&mdash;Ryrie Home offers a level of culture and connection unmatched in Geelong.

Plus for first home buyers looking for something on the more affordable side, one-bedroom apartments start at $375,000.

Check out what suburbs first home buyers have been keeping an eye on in April

The most popular VIC suburbs for first home buyers in April on Urban

<h2>EXPERT INSIGHT</h2>

It&rsquo;s been quite the week for the Aussie property market. National home prices are straddling record highs, the value of new home lending commitments are at historic highs and council approvals to build new private detached houses are at all-time highs. Leading indicators of construction activity are also at the highest level on record, pointing to continued home price gains this year and next.

Commonwealth Bank (CBA) Group economists expect prices to lift by a combined 14 per cent in 2021 and 2022.&nbsp;

That said, home price growth and residential building activity could ease from elevated levels as affordability constraints for first home buyers, the HomeBuilder expiry, shortages of tradies, supply disruptions, rising building material costs and slower population growth combine to weigh on demand. Of course, a prolonged period of record low interest rates - as signalled by the Reserve Bank - remains a key support for new home building and &lsquo;renos&rsquo;. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7633 project_image_fid=80007]

The Australian Industry Group (AiGroup) and Housing Industry Association&rsquo;s (HIA) Performance of Construction index (PCI) eased from historic highs in April. But the underlying activity index climbed 5.1 points to a record high of 62.8 points as building work increased ahead of the HomeBuilder grant deadline on March 31. While house building activity is a smidgen below February&rsquo;s record levels, engineering construction lifted 2.3 points to an all-time high of 63.8 as infrastructure-related building cranked up a gear courtesy of state government spending.

And the pipeline of residential building work is expected to remain elevated in the near-term if leading indicators of activity, such as building approvals, are any guide. Council approvals to build new homes surged by 17.4 per cent to 23,176 units in March &ndash; the most in 3 years. Approvals are up 47.4 per cent on a year ago &ndash; the strongest annual growth rate in 11 years. Private sector house approvals were up 0.1 per cent to an all-time high of 14,117 units. The value of alterations &amp; additions approved were up by 7.3 per cent in March to a record $1,072.5 million.

Western Australian building approvals - while down in March - were up a massive 129.2 per cent on a year ago. And the rolling annual number of Greater Perth building approvals hit a 4&frac12;-year high of 19,427 units in March. The building boom is also evident in Queensland and South Australia with March approvals up 82.2 per cent and 69.6 per cent, respectively, on a year ago. Rolling annual numbers are broadly at 2-year highs in both states. &nbsp;

New car sales have bounced back from their most recent cycle low in October 2020. Sales totalled 92,347 units in April &ndash; the most sales for an April month on record. Sales are up 137.2 per cent on a year ago &ndash; from the depths of pandemic lockdown.

While the global semiconductor chip shortage is weighing on the supply of new cars for eager car buyers, its boosting the profits of car dealerships with less price discounting due to low inventories and strong buyer demand. Peter Warren Automotive (PWA Holdings) made a successful Aussie sharemarket debut last week, joining Eagers Automotive and Autosports Group as the only car dealership groups on the Australian Stock Exchange.&nbsp;

What do you need to know?&nbsp;

Building Approvals &ndash; March

Council approvals to build new homes rose by 17.4 per cent to 23,176 units in March &ndash; the most in 3 years. Approvals are up 47.4 per cent on a year ago &ndash; the strongest annual growth rate in 11 years.

Total house approvals rose by 1.2 per cent to a record-high 14,404 units in March to be up 62.2 per cent on a year ago. Private sector house approvals were up 0.1 per cent to an all-time high of 14,117 units to be up 60.9 per cent on a year ago. Public sector house approvals surged 117.4 per cent in March to 287 units but were still up a massive 173.3 per cent on a year ago.

Apartment approvals jumped 59.4 per cent to a 2&frac12;-year high of 8,772 units in March to be up 28.1 per cent on a year ago.

Over the past year 198,439 new homes were approved - a 2-year high.

Dwelling approvals across states in March: NSW (+26.9 per cent); Victoria (+24.7 per cent); Queensland &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (+12.1 per cent); South Australia (+3.5 per cent); Western Australia (-6.4 per cent); Tasmania (-4.8 per cent).

The value of all commercial and residential building approvals rose by 36.3 per cent in March. Total residential approvals lifted 22.9 per cent with new building up 25.4 per cent and alterations &amp; additions up by 7.3 per cent to all-time highs. Commercial building umped 59.4 per cent.&nbsp;

New vehicle sales - April

New vehicle sales totalled 92,347 units in April &ndash; the highest number of sales for the month of April on record. Sales are up 137.2 per cent on a year ago.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries reported:

&ldquo;The April 2021 market of 92,347 new vehicle sales is an increase of 53,421 vehicle sales or 137.2 per cent on April 2020 (38,926) vehicle sales. April 2021 had 23.6 selling days compared to April 2020 with 23.9 which resulted in an increase of 2284.3 vehicle sales per day.

The Passenger Vehicle Market is up by 8,906 vehicle sales (97.2 per cent) over the same month last year; the Sports Utility Market is up by 31,154 vehicle sales (172.9 per cent); the Light Commercial Market is up by 12,278 vehicle sales (130.1 per cent); and the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market is up by 1,083 vehicle sales (46.9 per cent) versus April 2020.

Toyota was market leader in April, followed by Mazda and Mitsubishi. Toyota led Mazda with a margin of 10,156 vehicle sales and 11.0 market share points.&rdquo; &nbsp;

Sales across states and territories over the year to April: NSW (up 143.9 per cent); Victoria (up 142.0 per cent); Queensland (up 144.4 per cent); South Australia (up 134.7 per cent); Western Australia (up 139.0 per cent); Tasmania (up 157.6 per cent); Northern Territory (up 98.4 per cent); ACT (up 4.1 per cent).

In the 12 months to April, sales totalled 1,000,676 &ndash; a 13-month high &ndash; to be up 1.0 per cent on a year ago. In the year to April, SUVs accounted for a record 69.3 per cent of combined SUV and passenger car sales.

AiGroup &amp; HIA Performance of Construction index (PCI) &ndash; April

The Australian Industry Group (AiGroup) and HIA Performance of Construction index (PCI) eased from a record high of 61.8 in March to 59.1 in April. Readings above 50 indicate an expansion of activity.

In seasonally-adjusted terms, PCI activity rose 5.1 points in April to a record 62.8. But employment fell 3.9 points to 59.2. New orders lost 7.7 points to 57. Supplier deliveries were down 6.1 points to 56.0 &ndash; but all three readings are hovering just below historic highs in March. And input prices eased 0.4 points in April to 92.5. Selling prices rose 1.5 points to a record 73.3 and average wages fell 6.4 points to 65.4.

Ai-Group noted: &ldquo;The new orders index appears to have peaked in Q1 of 2021, reflecting the very successful HomeBuilders program. This is in line with recent house approvals and financing trends. Although approvals have already peaked, the pipeline of work created by this spike in demand is likely to keep home builders busy for many months to come.&rdquo;

And, &ldquo;Builders across all sectors continue to report shortages of skilled trades contractors, key supplies and components. They also report rising input prices, freight delays and high freight charges. Home builders remain wary of a post-HomeBuilder demand slump but are hopeful that low interest rates and other factors will help to support demand.&rdquo;

IHS Markit Purchasing Managers&rsquo; indexes (PMI) &ndash; April

The &lsquo;final&rsquo; IHS Markit services purchasing manager index rose from 55.5 in March to a record 58.8 in April. The composite index, which measures combined services and manufacturing output, rose from 55.5 to an historic high of 58.9. Readings above 50 indicate an expansion of activity. Data collection began in May 2016.

IHS Markit economists reported, &ldquo;April PMI data signalled that business activity across the Australian service sector rose at the strongest pace since data collection began in May 2016, reflecting further moves towards recovery. This was aided by the further easing of COVID-19 restrictions which boosted customer confidence and demand alike.&rdquo;

And, &ldquo;Service providers were enthused by the upturn in demand and expanding their workforce numbers at the joint-fastest pace on record. Nonetheless, strains on business capacity remained evident and intensified amid ongoing supplier delays.&rdquo;

What are the implications for investors?

The HomeBuilder stimulus has been incredibly successful. Commonwealth Treasury data shows that 121,363 HomeBuilder applications have been received since June 2020 with Victorian applications highest at 35,169 as at April 9, 2021. The federal government has said that the scheme has supported around $30 billion of residential projects, supporting jobs and boosting building activity following the pandemic shock.

While there are concerns that the demand pull-forward of council building approvals ahead of the HomeBuilder expiry could ease, construction bottlenecks have seen the federal government recently announce the extension of the building commencement requirement of the program, supporting activity. That said, construction prices are lifting with the PCI selling prices up 1.5 points in April to 73.3, signalling that builders are passing on their cost increases to home buyers and renovators. With inflationary pressures building - and home prices and new investor lending lifting &ndash; housing credit growth appears set to accelerate. Given this backdrop, an eventual policy response from regulators appears likely. &nbsp;

National home prices are straddling record highs, the value of new home lending commitments are at historic highs and council approvals to build new private detached houses are at all-time highs

Home values to rise by combined 14% in 2021 and 2022: CBA's Ryan Felsman

The ongoing&nbsp;surge in home financing and purchasing took a hit in April as one of the key drivers, the HomeBuilder Grant, came to an end in March.&nbsp;

Many developers however are sighting that the&nbsp;completion of the HomeBuilder Grant has failed to deter first home buyers.

Check out what first home buyers have been keeping an eye on in April.

Here are Urban’s most popular FHB projects:

1. Haven Townhomes, Keysborough

Three-bedroom townhouses&nbsp;from&nbsp;$675,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8082]

For those First Home Buyers with a family, or seeking something larger Haven Townhomes has been very eye-catching with affordable and stylish three and four bedroom townhomes on offer

Like Sixth Avenue featured later in this list it's another Aultun Group development this time partnering with&nbsp;Cera Stribley Architects.

The Haven estate encompasses a variety of two storey floor plans with the option of choosing a house and land package, or an off-the-plan purchase.

Situated surrounded by thriving wetlands and meandering walking trails, each of the 59 Haven Townhomes are in a prime position for stunning views, access to nature and world-class&nbsp;amenities.

It is set for completion in December 2021.

2. Live City,&nbsp;Footscray

Two-bedroom apartments from $460,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3565]

The new masterplanned community, Live City, comprises 208 residences spread across 14 floors, backed by developer R&amp;F Property Australia.

Set to deliver over 1,400 apartments across eight buildings, the Footscray project brings together a fully-integrated, mixed-use community that’s thriving with character and history.

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, each residence features floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary interiors and an abundance of natural light.

It is the most affordable development on this list with a one bedroom abode available from $350,000.

3. Melbourne Square

Two-bedroom apartments from $642,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929 project_image_fid=137895]

OSK Property are the group behind the&nbsp;boutique collection of homes at&nbsp;Melbourne Square.

Featuring four distinct themes, it has been architecturally designed by&nbsp;Cox Architecture, with interiors by designer&nbsp;Sue Carr, creating flawless spaces which make the most of the spectacular city views on offer.

Each bedroom boasts a stunning view&nbsp;via floor-to-ceiling glazing, plus the master suites offer a unique panoramic&nbsp;city vista.

Set for completion in mid 2021, amenities include a full-line Woolworths and other shops as well as resort-style facilities including pools, sauna, spa, gymnasium and a yoga room.

4. Sixth Avenue, Chelsea Heights

Two-bedroom townhouses from $599,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32136]

Sixth Avenue, delivered by the Aultun Group, was Urban's most popular project for first home buyers in the first quarter of 2021.

Designed by Point Architects in the near coastal suburb south-east of Melbourne, Sixth Avenue features light-filled interiors, bespoke landscaping and recreational amenities within easy reach. &nbsp;

Boasting a collection of 59 two, three and four-bedroom residences, the project provides perfect bayside living with an endless array of retail, dining, and recreational amenities all within easy reach. Whether you prefer to take a dip in the sheltered bay waters or seek the rush of adrenaline through sports and activities, Sixth Avenue’s premium location provides for all lifestyles.

5. Ryrie Home, Geelong

Two-bedroom apartments from $699,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88242]

Ryrie Homes was Urban's most popular investor project for Q1 2021, however this month's results show its appeal for FHB's, with Geelong's strong performance as one of the nation's most sought-after regional areas doing excellent work for this development.

Delivered by Franzé, each Ryrie Home apartment has been cleverly designed by Architectus to deliver great amenity, comfort and abundant storage, with timber flooring, beautiful finishes and quality fixtures.

Each apartment enjoys panoramic bay views and alfresco dining for year-round holiday living.

With the foreshore, 500m north and the CBD, 500m east—as well as parks, theatres, galleries, cafés and restaurants all within walking distance—Ryrie Home offers a level of culture and connection unmatched in Geelong.

Plus for first home buyers&nbsp;looking for something on the more affordable side, one-bedroom apartments start at $375,000

Check out what first home buyers have been keeping an eye on in April

The most popular VIC developments for first home buyers in April on Urban

Ryrie Home is the latest development from Franz&eacute; Developments.

The mixed-use development, which broke ground earlier this year, is set to deliver Geelong&rsquo;s first major hotel and apartment project in 20 years.

Designed by&nbsp;Architectus,&nbsp;Ryrie&nbsp;Home will deliver a landmark Holiday Inn tower, 16 luxury apartments at&nbsp;Ryrie&nbsp;Residences, and a separate 11-storey tower,&nbsp;Ryrie&nbsp;Home.

As <a href="/news/vic/urbans-most-popular-vic-apartments-for-investors-in-q1-2021" target="_blank">Urban&#39;s most popular investor project for Q1 2021</a>, it&#39;s more than just the location&nbsp;that stands out. But with prices starting as low as $350,000, its both affordable and appealing.

Ryrie Home has been so popular with investors&nbsp;likely due to them eyeing its huge potential to downsize later in life.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88241]

Geelong is well-known and much loved for its big city feel, without the congestion. Affectionately called G-Town, everything is within easy reach, so you can spend more time doing the things you love, be it sports, shopping, or exploring the caf&eacute;s and diverse eateries.

Situated at 44 Ryrie Street, Ryrie Home holds a prime position in the center of Geelong a short walk from the acclaimed Geelong Gallery.

Placed on a main thoroughfare the development is 5 minute walk from shopping centres,&nbsp;boutiques and a number of dining establishments.

<a href="/buildings/ryrie-home-geelong-44-ryrie-street-geelong"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/geelong.png" /></a>

Slightly beyond those is a Cinema and the MoPa Museum. And further afield&nbsp;are acclaimed dining institutions like&nbsp;Restaurant IGNI and the&nbsp;Empire Grill

Try taking the bike for a ride along the Geelong waterfront and experience the beaches and Royal Geelong Yacht Club, or enjoy an evening out by the water at bars like the Sailors Rest or Edge Geelong.

If you are looking for an exercise alternative to the nearby Fitness First, there is always Johnston Park

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88245]

The project features exposed concrete ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, merging a minimalist aesthetic with a sense of modern luxury in the bayside location.

Every&nbsp;home in the development features&nbsp;a private balcony where you can enjoy the panoramic bay views and alfresco dining year-round.

The 109 residence mixed use tower draws on its Geelong Quarter location part of the fastest growing regional city in Australia.



Walking tour: What's within walking distance from Geelong's Ryrie Home apartments?

While experts agree the RBA is unlikely to increase the cash rate for a while yet, this doesn&#39;t mean mortgage holders can rule out an out-of-cycle rate hike.&nbsp;

UBank announced an out-of-cycle move late last week, increasing its 3-year fixed rate from a near market-leading 1.75% to 1.85% (an increase of 10 basis points). Westpac also bumped up its fixed-term rates last Friday.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28162 project_image_fid=141055]

If a homeowner with the average mortgage of $495,420* experienced a rate hike of 25 basis points from the current average variable rate of 4.27% to 4.52%, they would need to pay an extra $878 per year.&nbsp;

Over the course of a 30-year loan, this would cost them an extra $26,330 in interest.&nbsp;

Finder&rsquo;s Consumer Sentiment Tracker, a survey of 7,191 mortgage holders, found a monthly raise of $200 or less would cause financial distress for two in five mortgage holders (41%).

<img alt="" height="464" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/finder_may_3.jpg" width="686" />

Cooke said that while the cash rate isn&rsquo;t going anywhere, that doesn&rsquo;t mean home loan rates will stay put.

&ldquo;The last time the cash rate was held for an extended period of 34 months, banks changed their interest rates on average 7 times &ndash; 5 of which were increases.&quot;

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s important that homeowners factor in potential rate increases when applying for a mortgage &ndash; keeping a cushion in your budget can keep your budget from getting dicey down the track,&rdquo; Cooke said. &nbsp;

While experts agree the RBA is unlikely to increase the cash rate for a while yet, this doesn't mean mortgage holders can rule out an out-of-cycle rate hike

Rate hikes could leave mortgage holders stranded with excess interest

&nbsp;Australia&rsquo;s housing market is experiencing a peak growth rate, but experts say the current boom won&rsquo;t last forever.&nbsp;

In this month&rsquo;s Finder RBA Cash Rate Survey&trade;, 40 experts and economists weighed in on future cash rate moves and other issues relating to the state of the economy.&nbsp;

While all experts surveyed predict the cash rate to hold, nearly half of those who weighed in on property prices (47%, 16/34) believe Australia&rsquo;s current house price growth is unsustainable.

Property market growth surged at its fastest rate in 33 years in March, with national dwelling values also increasing by 6.2% over the past year according to CoreLogic.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6690 project_image_fid=27326]

Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, said that some experts are concerned a housing bubble is emerging.

&ldquo;Rock-bottom rates, government stimulus and a fear of missing out have really lit a fire under the belly of the market.&quot;

&ldquo;Listing numbers are unable to meet high buyer demand, keeping inventory levels low overall and adding to the sense of urgency among buyers. &quot;

&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve seen more borrowed for housing over the last six months than during any similar period in history &ndash; and economists have tipped us to borrow more over the next six.&quot;

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s unlikely we&#39;ll see any regulatory intervention from policymakers yet, but this might be a possibility down the track,&rdquo; Cooke said.&nbsp;

According to Mala Raghavan of the University of Tasmania, buyers may put themselves at risk by acting too hastily.&nbsp;

&ldquo;The recent uptick in buying behaviour largely appears to be due to the fear of missing out, and many buyers are rushing into the market without clear foresight of the impending risks.&quot;

&ldquo;When mortgage rates start rising, many households will risk being unable to service their loans, and could be vulnerable to foreclosures,&rdquo; she said.&nbsp;

Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, said that some experts are concerned a housing bubble is emerging

1 in 2 experts say recent house price growth is “unsustainable”: Finder

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation&rsquo;s last remaining landholding in Elsternwick is soon to hit the market, in what is expected to be a hotly contested sale process for the prime landholding.

The property, 8 Gordon Street, occupies a large 11,740sqm (3 acre) site zoned for Residential Growth with height potential of up to 8 levels on some parts of the property and is being offered for sale with vacant possession. The property will be sold by Public Tender, expected to close in early June.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3402 project_image_fid=15046]

Savills Australia&rsquo;s Clinton Baxter, Nick Peden and Jesse Radisich have been appointed to market the property, saying they expected strong interest from a complete cross section of the market covering &ldquo;the full range of developers&rdquo;, from the residential, commercial, build-to-rent, social infrastructure, education, aged-care and healthcare sectors.

&ldquo;This sale will undoubtedly attract international attention by virtue of it being the most significant inner-Melbourne site to be offered to the market in 2021,&rdquo; Mr Baxter said,

&ldquo;There simply isn&rsquo;t another site of such magnitude and offering a unique array of amenity and positive attributes within the inner suburbs of Melbourne.&quot;

The offering follows Savills&rsquo; sale of the ABC&rsquo;s nearby Selwyn Street property to Woolworths for almost $50 million in 2017.

The site adjoins the magnificent heritage-protected Rippon Lea Estate and is just a short walk from Elsternwick railway station and the vibrant Glen Huntly Road retail strip.

The sale will undoubtedly attract international attention by virtue of it being the most significant inner-Melbourne site to be offered to the market in 2021

ABC’s last remaining landholding in Elsternwick VIC listed

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

Joel Robinson

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

The long-planned transformation of Brisbane's historic Shafston Estate has taken another major step, with Capella Hotel Group announced as the luxury hospitality partner behind what will become Brisbane's first branded residences.

The project, to be known as Capella Residences Brisbane, is being delivered by Verso Projects at the landmark Kangaroo Point riverfront estate, with completion targeted for 2029.

The announcement follows a series of planning changes to the project over recent years. The site was originally approved in 2023 for a 15-level, 37-apartment development designed by Rothelowman for Burgundy Group before Verso Projects took over the 10,070 sqm riverfront holding and lodged revised plans with Kerry Hill Architects to increase the development to a 25-level tower with 51 apartments.

The latest announcement confirms Capella Hotel Group will bring its branded residential offering to the project, marking just the second Capella Residences development globally after Seoul, and the group's first branded residential project in Australia.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-castlebar-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Castlebar Street development</a> will centre around the restoration of the heritage-listed Shafston House, one of Brisbane's oldest residences, originally constructed in 1851 by Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage known as Ravenscott.

<img alt="Capella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9f4ce5-638f-4d6b-8082-3ca7e4b75fca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-09%20at%207.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=f7aeqsW_DzOJI4FymWb3lD8NptSfsP7q" />

Capella said the project aligns with its focus on heritage-led developments, with the Brisbane estate combining the restored historic residence with a new luxury apartment tower and hospitality-inspired resident amenities.

Residents will have access to the Capella Living Room, a concierge-led communal space inspired by the group's luxury hotels, alongside landscaped gardens, six swimming pools, wellness and recreation facilities.

The broader estate will also include two riverfront homes, a six-berth private marina, porte cochère arrival experience, secure basement parking and a new section of public riverwalk along the Brisbane River frontage.

The heritage Postal Depot Building will also be retained and repurposed as a guest house, in line with the revised development plans.

The project represents another evolution for the site, which Kerry Hill Architects previously described as a rare opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's most significant heritage estates while creating a new benchmark for apartment living.

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," Kerry Hill Architects said in its Urban Context Report accompanying the planning submission.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

Verso Projects, which now has an $8.5 billion development pipeline spanning more than 6,000 dwellings across apartments, townhouses, retail and commercial projects, said the partnership with Capella would elevate the development beyond a traditional residential project.

"We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence underpinned by Capella's distinctive service ethos and design philosophy, and making it a standout landmark in Brisbane," Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey said.

"By partnering with Capella, globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context, we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination."

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane's emergence as a global city made it the right location for the company's Australian residential debut.

"Brisbane is a city on the cusp of something remarkable, and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story," Fasel said.

"The Capella residential experience is more than luxury. It is about a sense of belonging to a place with deep meaning."

Private appointments have now opened for the project, with a display suite expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Capella to launch Brisbane's first branded residences at Shafston House, Kangaroo Point

Lewis Land's latest apartment release within its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan is targeting one of the Gold Coast's fastest-growing buyer groups, with almost a third of apartments at Solis priced below $1 million.

The seven-storey building at Biggera Waters will comprise 91 apartments, including 24 one-bedroom residences starting from $778,000, a price point Lewis Land says is aimed squarely at first home buyers struggling to enter the Gold Coast market.

<img alt="Harbour Shires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7486e37-22f6-4c92-b212-9b0622070b8f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=W8MJwJUCf6HkIyl_EVSksnd.QI6MZryY" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the developer deliberately allocated a significant proportion of the project to more affordable apartment types.

"First home buyers have been priced out of many parts of the Gold Coast, and we saw a clear opportunity to address this and play our part in a longer-term housing solution," Long said.

"That's why 24 of the 91 apartments being delivered at Solis have been designed and priced for the city's next generation of homeowners, quality one-bedroom apartments, half of which include an additional multipurpose room to maximise space and flexibility.

"This approach places 30 per cent of apartments in Solis under $1 million, and with close proximity to Harbour Town's future light rail extension connecting residents to the city's major employment and knowledge hubs, it's a win for buyers looking to secure their first property."

<img alt="Sores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="550526d3-73ba-4710-9739-c5f4294a30ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.29%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cQQdXHt9wS0UXwZEm5Py5bH_3kAmzyhu" />

Designed by BDA Architecture, Solis will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with residences ranging up to 232 sqm. Apartments feature generous balconies and contemporary finishes, while residents will have access to Harbour Shores' lagoon pool, clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga studio and sauna.

The focus on first home buyers resonated with purchaser Holly Humphreys, who said she and her boyfriend spent more than a year searching for their first property before shifting their attention from houses to apartments.

"We fell in love with the first house we bid on and got our hopes up, but after repeated knockbacks we learned not to get too attached," Humphreys said.

"We offered at the high end of price guides, but sales kept going even higher. That's where we really struggled and we needed to re-evaluate our budget and our expectations. Standalone houses were off the table, and we pivoted to apartments and townhouses."

Humphreys said it was encouraging to see developers recognising the growing demand from first home buyers.

"There's a growing number of young buyers looking to enter the market earlier because they understand that getting in now can make a real difference as prices continue to rise," she said.

"It's fantastic to see a developer recognise this and then actively take measures to deliver an apartment with us in mind."

Solis is the first development planned within the second stage of the Harbour Shores masterplan, with early works expected to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land targets first home buyers at latest Harbour Shores release, Solis

Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=370116]

Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

Jordan Fidler

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