The recently completed Bloom Arncliffe, delivered by developer Wingate, offers one, two and three bedroom ready-to-move-in apartments, perfect for the eager first-time owner, the smart investor and the dynamic urban-dweller.

Dispersed over seven state-of-the-art buildings designed by Stephen Bower Architects, ranging from standard apartments to penthouses, every Bloom residence holds sweeping city views.

Constructed by Richard Crookes Constructions, the 318 residences benefit greatly from their location with a heaping helping of convenient amenities at your fingertips.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6201 project_image_fid=89013]

Among Bloom Arncliffe&rsquo;s on-site amenities are a ground-floor marketplace with restaurants and retailers, so that coffee, food and other simple luxuries are only ever a moment away.

Beyond the bottom floor it also has the convenience of being near restaurants, cafes, markets and plenty of schools and early learning facilities.

Placed in a prime position between the city and the coast, Bloom residents enjoy the benefits of being close to Sydney&rsquo;s southern beaches, as well as the Illawarra line&rsquo;s direct link to the CBD, the Inner West and Bondi.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6201 project_image_fid=89018]

One bedroom apartments start from $595,000, two bedroom apartments from $710,000 and three bedroom apartments from $950,000.

Bloom Arncliffe is a unique offering, one of very few in Sydney with on-site retail and dining facilities so don&#39;t miss out on this recently completed development.

Among Bloom Arncliffe’s on-site amenities are a ground-floor marketplace with restaurants and retailers, so that coffee, food and other simple luxuries are only ever a moment away

jordan_55689

Discover the convenient amenities on offer in Wingate's Bloom Arncliffe apartments

Stockland&rsquo;s new&nbsp;townhome&nbsp;development, Haven, is a combination of sustainable features and open spaces in Melbourne&rsquo;s&nbsp;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&nbsp;SJB&nbsp;Architects.

We recently spoke with&nbsp;Cara Bawden, Stockland&#39;s&nbsp;Senior Development Manager,&nbsp;Built Form Victoria&nbsp;to discuss the popular development and why buyers can&#39;t seem to get enough.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29947 project_image_fid=93183]

Jordan Fidler: What are the highlights of Haven and what is attracting buyers to the project?

Cara Bowden: As well as a broad range of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom sustainable townhome options, we are finding that our customers are drawn to the convenience and connection of Haven.&nbsp;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.

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 Altona North. Enticing locals and visitors alike, Altona North offers an abundance of local shops and retailers, numerous school and education options, medical centres, job opportunities and recreational activities. Haven truly puts convenience first.&nbsp;&nbsp;

JF: What was the brief for SJB Architects?

CB: SJB Architects were selected for their experience in delivering award winning developments and in particular had demonstrated their credentials in townhome architecture. They were briefed to utilise contemporary design principles in conjunction with the Stockland Standard to design homes with a strong sense of address that create a flow between interior and exterior living. The Stockland Standard has been developed by our in house design team to set priorities for liveable, active and desirable communities nationally.&nbsp;

Our kitchen and bathroom designs were inspired by the industrial heritage of Altona North and the interiors palettes include both black and chrome fixtures.&nbsp;Finally, with so many leisure options around Haven, we know our residents will want to move in and start enjoying the local area so we have focused on designing a turn-key offering, with all landscaping complete and a focus on low maintenance living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29947 project_image_fid=93188]

JF: Where have buyers come from, and who is the development appealing to?

CB: We have a mix of people moving out of the CBD, people looking to move into the Inner-West and closer to the CBD, and locals who love the area and wanted to move into a Haven home.&nbsp;From first home buyers to families and investors; there is something for everyone at Haven in terms of style, budget and lifestyle preference.

In terms of enquiries, we are seeing a large pool of first home buyer enquiry, due to Haven&rsquo;s competitive &lsquo;from&rsquo; price of $605,000*. We also have a volume of upgrader downsizer and investor audiences enquiring at Haven.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29947 project_image_fid=93184]

JF: What else does the Haven Community offer residents?

CB:&nbsp;Haven is within walking distance to a range of amenities that will be offered throughout this exciting new precinct.&nbsp;There is a future Hobsons Bay Community Centre that will be walking distance from Haven, as well as a future 3ha active open space. Haven also offers customers the peace of mind of purchasing with Stockland, one of Australia&rsquo;s largest diversified property groups, with over 60 years&rsquo; experience in delivering quality residential communities.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=29947]

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.

What buyers need to know about Haven townhomes in Altona North: Five minutes with Stockland's Cara Bawden

St A. in the heart of St Albans in Melbourne&#39;s north-west is the latest masterplanned townhouse community from the ASX-listed developer Cedar Woods.

The development delivers a family-friendly community, a landscaped central park and stunning designs by&nbsp;DKO&nbsp;Architecture.

Plus it&#39;s more than affordable for first home buyers, you can save up to $35,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7633 project_image_fid=32168]

Cedar Woods are offering six types of homes with bedrooms ranging from two to four.

They have Argyle II, Phoenix, Jasper, Amber (below), Sapphire IV and Novo III&nbsp;which all offering differing floorplans configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7633 project_image_fid=32167]

Townhouses start from just $499,000 for the two bedroom, two and a half bathroom townhouse in the Argyle II collection (pictured main).

The high end townhouse, The Phoenix, is priced at $695,000 and that has four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and two parking spaces.

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.

A landscaped central park is proposed at St.A, which will include a children&#39;s playground, barbeque shelter and open grassed areas for residents and the local community to enjoy.

It is set for completion in 2022.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=7633]

St A. in the heart of St Albans in Melbourne's north-west is the latest masterplanned townhouse community from the ASX-listed developer Cedar Woods

Find out how you could save up to $35,000 on your St. A. home

Fourteen lenders have hiked their four-year fixed rates in the wake of CBA&rsquo;s controversial rate hike a month ago today.

By contrast, just 1 lender has cut its 4-year rate in this time, a sign that four-year fixed rates might not be at record lows for much longer.

RateCity.com.au research director, Sally Tindall, said record low four-year fixed rates might not be around for much longer.

<img alt="" height="314" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/rate_hikes.jpg" width="889" />

&ldquo;With the RBA&rsquo;s term funding facility now in its final stretch and the next cash rate hike firming up for early 2024, if not before, the writing is on the wall for ultra-low four- and five-year fixed rate loans,&rdquo; she said.

&ldquo;So far Australia&rsquo;s second largest bank, Westpac, has kept its four-year fixed loan at a record low of 1.89 per cent, but it&rsquo;s hard to see this rate sticking around for long.&quot;

&ldquo;The idea of paying under 2 per cent interest until 2025 is an incredibly attractive proposition for many homeowners, but that doesn&rsquo;t automatically make it a good idea. Take the time to work out what type of loan suits your finances.&quot;

&ldquo;Fixed loans come with extra restrictions such as caps on extra repayments, typically no offset account and break fees if you want to get out early.&quot;

&ldquo;One option is to split your loan so it is part fixed and part variable, which typically lets you make extra repayments on the variable portion.&quot;

&ldquo;Money might be cheap now but in a few years&rsquo; time it&rsquo;s likely to be a very different story, provided the economic recovery stays on track, particularly for anyone coming off a fixed rate,&rdquo; she said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29917 project_image_fid=133242]

Rates on the rise following CBA's hike last month

Oxford Properties Group (&lsquo;Oxford&rsquo;) and Investa today announced they have received development approval from the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) for the first build to rent building in the Sydney CBD, a new residential development above the South entrance of the Sydney Metro Pitt Street Station.

The development will deliver an innovative, sustainable, purpose-built build to rent residential building that will create an unmatched rental experience for residents in the Sydney CBD. The approval is a major milestone for the project and is the first step in Oxford&rsquo;s strategy to create a leading build to rent platform in Australia and to attract co-investment from like-minded and strategic investors. The platform is being created in partnership with Investa, which is Oxford&rsquo;s local operating and development partner for its office portfolio and growing build to rent business.

<img alt="" height="530" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/pitt_st_station.jpg" width="920" />

The 39-storey building will feature 234 residential apartments with extensive on-site amenities, including a wellness floor, rooftop terrace and adjoining communal space, an entire floor dedicated to work from home spaces, a social lounge and up to 682 square metres of retail. The building is targeting a 5 Star Green Star rating, with 30% Basix energy targets and 40% water targets.

Nellie O&rsquo;Keeffe, Project Director at Oxford Properties said, &ldquo;this is an exciting milestone for a truly transformational project. We are working with a world-class project team, which includes leading Australian architects Bates Smart and are committed to delivering a project that sets the bar for purpose-built rental in Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758 project_image_fid=79424]

Located on the corner of Pitt and Bathurst streets, the development is ideally positioned to provide a lively city lifestyle to future residents, ranging from young families, to working professionals to downsizers. Seamlessly integrated with the new Pitt Street metro station and well connected to other primary transport hubs, residents will benefit from connectivity to Greater Sydney and close proximity to Hyde Park and some of Sydney&rsquo;s best retail, dining and entertainment attractions, while enjoying the convenience, amenity, flexibility and sense of community this location offers.

Oxford&rsquo;s build to rent pipeline in Australia now includes approximately 1,000 units, following the acquisition of its first build to rent site in Melbourne at 3 McNab Avenue, Footscray, and is targeting more than 5,000 units over the next 10 years.

Oxford&rsquo;s consortium partners, CPB Contractors commenced construction on the metro station in December 2020. The residential development is scheduled to begin in late 2021 and due to be completed in line with metro services in 2024. Oxford anticipates that around 350 jobs will be created through the construction over a 24-month period.

Oxford Properties Group (‘Oxford’) and Investa today announced they have received development approval from the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) for the first build to rent building in the Sydney CBD

Development approval locked in for Sydney CBD's first build to rent development

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ANZ has today revealed it is cutting its variable package rates for new borrowers by between 0.35% and 0.90%, bringing its package rates into line for all loan amounts.  

Canstar’s research shows the average variable package rate from the major banks is 3.43% and ANZ now offers the lowest of the major banks’ variable package rate offers for owner occupiers at 2.99% (3.42% comparison rate).

The changes for owner occupiers paying principal and interest (80% LVR) are as follows: 

<img alt="" height="231" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/anz_rate_cut.jpg" width="741">

Canstar Group Executive, Financial Services, Steve Mickenbecker says “Today’s cut from ANZ is the first cut to a variable rate by one of the big four banks since September last year, as interest rate cuts have since been focused on fixed rates.”

“The decrease from ANZ is being passed on to new borrowers by way of increasing the discount applied to its standard variable rate and will not be passed on to existing borrowers. "

“ANZ now offers the lowest package rate among the major banks and it would not be surprising to see others moving down the same path."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4939]

“ANZ is seeking to grow its share of low risk business, with the gap between lending to borrowers with equity below 20 per cent and those with greater equity widening from 5 to 20 basis points," he concluded.
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ANZ has today revealed it is cutting its variable package rates for new borrowers by between 0.35% and 0.90%

ANZ cuts variable rates by up to 0.9%

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NSW Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson has today announced a major milestone for Project Remediate with the release of an independent report outlining four safe and non-flammable product categories that represent the first tranche to replace high-risk cladding.

Mr Anderson said the four categories had been recommended by the experts of the Cladding Product Safety Panel as part of Project Remediate, the NSW Government’s billion-dollar program to fast track the removal combustible cladding on 214 high-risk residential buildings.

“Thanks to our panel of experts we’ve now identified four, safe, options that can be specified for use as part of the Government’s replacement program,” Mr Anderson said.

“We are taking the lowest possible risk approach to fire safety. That’s why every component we are recommending in the first tranche will have to meet the highest fire safety standard under the Building Code of Australia. The system includes fixings, brackets, and insulation, and will also need to be completely non-combustible.”

Mr Anderson said the project would also appoint a single façade engineer who will provide guidance and quality assurance of the cladding system design on every building remediated by the Government.

“Homeowners need to be confident their building will be rectified with systems that are safe. That’s why we will also be requiring products and systems in each of the recommended categories to have demonstrated independent fire testing before they can be specified in designs under this program,” Mr Anderson said.

Chair of the Cladding Product Safety Panel Professor, Mark Hoffman said the panel would be giving further consideration to additional products and systems but only after more rigorous independent testing is completed and demonstrated.

“There may be additional systems that can safely include elements with some combustibility. The panel will consider submissions relating to these but to date, we have not been provided with robust data from independent accredited labs which tests both the product and the system,” Mr Hoffman said.

Four system categories are considered acceptable replacement options for Project Remediate, subject to additional design requirements. These categories are:

<ul>
<li>Solid aluminium panels installed with cavity barriers and fire-proof mechanical fixings</li>
	<li>Solid metal sheets installed with cavity barriers and fire-proof mechanical fixings</li>
	<li>Fibre cement panels installed with cavity barriers and fire-proof mechanical fixings</li>
	<li>Non-combustible cement render.</li>
</ul>
“It is time to get the job done. We expect to commence assessment and project design for the first batch of 30 buildings by July this year, with the first cladding removed in late 2021,” Mr Anderson concluded.
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Thanks to our panel of experts we’ve now identified four, safe, options that can be specified for use as part of the Government’s replacement program

Report outlines 4 safe non-flammable cladding products

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New Home Sales were 39.4 per cent higher in the March 2021 quarter than the same time the previous year.

The HIA New Home Sales report – a monthly survey of the largest volume home builders in the five largest states – is a leading indicator of future detached home construction.

“HomeBuilder, combined with low interest rates, changing population dynamics and improving market confidence, led to strong sales through to the end of 2020,” stated HIA’s Economist, Angela Lillicrap.

“In December 2020, there was a near record volume of new home sales as households rushed to finalise contracts to build a new home before the end of the $25,000 grant."

“This same effect can be seen in March as households rushed to get access to the $15,000 grant."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4807]

Over the year to March 2021, sales increased by 42.6 per cent compared to the previous year. This indicates a strong level of building activity will occur in 2021 and into 2022, providing employment to the construction sector and supporting the broader economy.

HomeBuilder has brought forward demand for new homes. As a consequence, sales over the coming months are expected to cool from recent highs.

“Demographic shifts in population towards regional areas will continue to drive demand for new detached homes. Strong house price growth recently has also sparked FOMO in buyers which will also support the industry,” concluded Ms Lillicrap.

Sales in the March 2021 quarter increased across all the five largest jurisdictions compared to the same time the previous year. South Australia was up by 90.6 per cent, followed by Queensland (+54.9 per cent) and Victoria (+41.9 per cent). New South Wales increased by 24.7 per cent and Western Australia is up by 15.2 per cent over the same period.
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New Home Sales were 39.4 per cent higher in the March 2021 quarter than the same time the previous year.

New home sales spike during March

The Apartments of Tullamore, a master-planned community by Mirvac, is delivering lush green residences in Melbourne&rsquo;s Doncaster.

The latest is&nbsp;Folia, comprising 102 residences which cater for all lifestyle needs, with classic apartments, garden terraces and grand penthouses spread across the buildings designed by Mirvac&#39;s in-house design team.

Expansive balconies connect living spaces to the outdoors, while modern conveniences form to create effortless interiors.

On top of Tullamore&rsquo;s pocket parks, walking trails, green gardens and adventure playgrounds, Folia provides exclusive resident-only amenities that make it stand out against other dwellings in the community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22584]

Whether you&rsquo;re returning home or welcoming guests, the residence&rsquo;s stunning double-height atrium lobby places you at the centre of a luxury retreat.

The tile-clad room is complete with seating and lush cascading greenery that harmonises with Folia&rsquo;s exterior.

A north-facing ground-level kitchen garden is the ideal amenity for residents wanting to cultivate their green thumb.

The low-maintenance garden is created with a collection of raised garden beds, designed for vegetable and herb growing.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22584 project_image_fid=170769]

Another&nbsp;exclusive resident-only amenity is the rooftop conservatory.

The semi-closed facility comes complete with a bespoke kitchen, bar and lounge, offering additional space for entertaining and relaxing

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=22584]

Opening in mid-2021, a luxury members-only health and lifestyle club will transform the Eastern Golf Course homestead into an inner-city country club.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22584 project_image_fid=163735]

Partnering with Next Gen Health and Lifestyle Clubs,&nbsp;Mirvac&nbsp;offers residents with a range of health, fitness and lifestyle amenities including a full suite of studio classes, four tennis courts, a members&rsquo; lounge, resort-style indoor and outdoor pools, a spa retreat and a cafe.

Folia perfectly nestles into the natural world.

&nbsp;

Why would you leave? Mirvac offer Folia residents unique amenities

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Stockland has today added to its residential townhomes pipeline with the purchase of 203 Mountain Highway, Wantirna in Melbourne from Longriver.

Located 24 kilometres south east of the Melbourne CBD and seven kilometres from Stockland’s successful Waterlea Community, the 8.33 hectare site has planning approval for approximately 248 dwellings and a 5,500m2 site for future medium density use.

With access to key transport routes, the site is adjacent to the Victorian Planning Authority’s proposed Wantirna Health Precinct, a future integrated ‘health city’ anchored by a new public hospital with complementary health, research, education and innovation facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21554]

Stockland Communities Group Executive and CEO Andrew Whitson said, “This acquisition aligns with our strategy to re-stock our residential pipeline early in the cycle, in target corridors with strong demand fundamentals and expected total returns above our hurdle rates.

“With less than 20 homes remaining, the popularity of our Waterlea Community has demonstrated the demand that exists for architecturally designed and sustainable townhouses with access to high quality private and public open spaces,” said Stockland’s General Manager for Built Form, Ben Cantwell.

“Like our Waterlea Community, this site allows us to offer customers a mix of dwelling types including semi-detached homes and townhouses. Waterlea has been very popular with our customers due to the mix of dwelling options available and we expect considerable interest from people keen to enjoy a similar community,” said Mr Cantwell.

Stockland has over $2.7 billion invested in Victoria and a long history delivering liveable and affordable communities, including Highlands in Craigieburn and Orion in Braybrook.

Subject to finalisation of approvals, pre-sales and development are expected to commence in mid-2022.
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Located 24 kilometres south east of the Melbourne CBD and seven kilometres from Stockland’s successful Waterlea Community, the 8.33 hectare site has planning approval for approximately 248 dwellings

Stockland acquires Wantirna townhome development site

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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