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EXPERT INSIGHT

One of the most prominent trends in Australian housing markets over the past 12 months has been the deterioration of rents in inner city apartment markets across Sydney and Melbourne. At the greater capital city level, rent values have fallen -4.9% across Sydney units since March last year, while Melbourne unit rents have fallen -8.2%.

Much of the drag on unit rents in Sydney and Melbourne have come from inner city regions. CoreLogic estimates suggest the SA4 ‘City and Inner South’ market of Sydney accounts for 18.6% of investment units across the Greater Sydney area. The ‘Melbourne – Inner’ region comprises an estimated 45.9% of investment unit stock in the greater capital city.

In the 12 months to March, which virtually captures 12 months since COVID restrictions were implemented nationally, the City and Inner South of Sydney has seen a -14.5% decline in median asking rents from $620 per week, to $530. Median asking rents across the Melbourne – Inner region sank -18.9% over the year, from $475 per week to $385. For both cities, these inner city SA4 markets have seen the lowest rate of change in rents over the year.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490]

Previous CoreLogic research has highlighted that these markets were disproportionately impacted by the closure of international borders, where most overseas arrivals to Australia are initially renters. In the year of measurement before COVID-19, ABS data suggests the City and Inner South and Melbourne – Inner markets alone accounted for 11.2% of net overseas arrivals to Australia. Hence, the halting of overseas migration has had a disproportionate impact on rental markets in these regions.

While these markets are far from recovery, there are signs that conditions may be stabilising, particularly across Sydney. Median asking rents across units in the City and Inner South of Sydney were -14.5% lower over the year to March, but they have risen 6.0% from a recent low of $500 per week in December. Melbourne – Inner median asking rents did slip another -3.8% through the March quarter, but listings stock appears to have been moderating since early February.

Total unit rental stock on the market across inner Sydney and Melbourne is falling. In the 28 days ending April 11th, the amount of listed rentals declined -9.4% across inner Melbourne, and -15.5% across inner Sydney.

For Melbourne however, available unit rentals remain 121.1% higher compared with the 28 day period to March 15 2020, when Australia recorded its 100th case of COVID-19. Sydney unit rental listings have now fallen below pre-COVID levels by -4.5%, highlighting a much faster recovery than across Melbourne.

The elevated rent listings volume through the second half of 2020 across inner Melbourne also shows how an extended lockdown and social distancing restrictions across the city had contributed to a deterioration in rents.

There are several factors which might explain the curious stabilisation of inner city unit markets;

<ul>
<li>Economic activity in CBDs is recovering, but gradually. Easing of COVID-19 restrictions has seen a recovery trend across recreation and hospitality businesses, reflected in very strong gains in sentiment through the month of March. Higher employment levels in hospitality, tourism and the arts are particularly important for demand in inner city Sydney and Melbourne rental markets, because residents in these markets had a relatively high exposure to these industries pre-COVID.</li>
	<li>Pedestrian foot traffic data from the City of Melbourne suggests visitation to the CBD has improved on 2020, but is still only at 50% of pre-COVID levels.</li>
	<li>It is worth noting that this progress of economic activity in the CBDs may be hampered by the end of JobKeeper. This is particularly the case for Melbourne, where around 300,000 people are recipients of the wage subsidy (though a smaller portion of these JobKeeper recipients would currently have no working hours).</li>
	<li>Interstate travel may be tightening rental market conditions. The initial onset of COVID-19 had anecdotally seen short term rentals, namely Airbnb accommodation, put onto the long term rental market. While short term accommodation volumes may still be affected by a lack of international tourism, there is likely higher demand amid eased restrictions, open domestic borders and domestic tourism. Indeed, AirDNA data showed Melbourne short term accommodation volumes rise over the first quarter of Mach 2021.</li>
	<li>Investors may be selling up. The coming months may see some instances of investors looking to sell inner city apartments amid weak rental conditions. This could see properties, at least temporarily, taken off the rental market.</li>
</ul>
While conditions across inner city apartments seem to stabilising, it is clear the Melbourne apartment market has a long way to go before rents see a more consistent recovery trend. This may be further hampered by the construction pipeline, where recently released ABS building activity data showed there were still 43,302 apartments under construction across Victoria through the December quarter. The return of international visitation to Australia has previously kept the Melbourne rental market buoyant amid high levels of new supply. A full recovery in rental incomes across Melbourne units is unlikely under international arrivals are closer to pre-COVID levels.
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One of the most prominent trends in Australian housing markets over the past 12 months has been the deterioration of rents in inner city apartment markets across Sydney and Melbourne

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CoreLogic data shows signs of stabilising in inner city rental markets: Eliza Owen

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Teska Carson is marketing a superbly located retail strip investment with outstanding development prospects at Ashwood in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

Located at 481-483 Warrigal Road, on the corner of Douglas Street, within the heart of the Ashwood shopping strip, the property comprises two single level commercial properties in good condition with a total building area of circa 250 square metres.

<img alt="" height="623" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ashwood_2.jpg" width="800">

The 408 square metre, Commercial 1 zoned property has two titles and two street frontages totalling over 40 metres as well as laneway access from the rear and on-site parking.

The Commercial 1 zoning allows for office, business, entertainment, community and residential uses as well as retail. A scheme for a mixed-use development for two retail shops on the ground floor and seven apartments over two levels has been designed by Damian Orlando Design.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27070]

According to marketing agents, Teska Carson’s George Takis and Larry Takis, the property will be sold subject to two leases at a combined annual rental of $55,377.

George Takis said the well maintained property offered a prime investment opportunity with development upside and short term lease income, as well as owner-occupier potential, in one of Melbourne’s most tightly held village strips.

Larry Takis said the first rate public transport amenities with Ashburton, Homesglen, Alamein &amp; Jordanville train stations in close proximity added further to the property’s growth prospects.

The property will be auctioned on Friday, May 7 at 12pm on site.
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A scheme for a mixed-use development for two retail shops on the ground floor and seven apartments over two levels has been designed by Damian Orlando Design

Ashwood retail strip with development upside listed

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<h2 class="legacy">Opinion</h2>

Victorian universities <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/universities-hatch-desperate-plan-to-fly-students-in-quarantine-them-20210406-p57gvo">recently re-proposed</a> a previously conceived plan to get international students back under a similar model used to fly in tennis players for the Australian Open. Under the proposal, universities would help pay for around 1,000 foreign students to be flown into Melbourne every two to three weeks and placed into special lockdown arrangements.

Similar plans to get international students back have been considered in various states since borders closed in March last year – and then quietly shelved. So far, only the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-30/international-students-arrive-in-australia-coronavirus-nt/12933370">Northern Territory has been able to bring 63 students to Australia</a>.

But 63 students is an almost negligible number compared to how many visa holders are still stranded outside the country — an estimated 30% of 542,106 (or around 160,000) student visa holders were outside Australia as of <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-15/international-student-ghost-tower-in-carlton/13058916">January 10 2021</a>.

In February, Phil Honeywood, the CEO of the International Education Association of Australia, expressed uncharacteristic desperation in his monthly email to members. He wrote:

When we directly lobby our federal politicians to promote student return plans, we are told that state/territory governments have full control of quarantine and we have to persuade them first. However, our discussions with state and territory politicians invariably produce the response that because the federal government controls Border Force, the ADF and international airport arrival caps, they are the ones actually in control!

Victorian Acting Premier James Merlino <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/universities-hatch-desperate-plan-to-fly-students-in-quarantine-them-20210406-p57gvo">last week also blamed Canberra for the lack of progress</a> to bring students back:

If you don’t get that from the federal government then it doesn’t matter what other ideas, whether it’s the City of Melbourne, SA, NSW or ourselves, doesn’t matter what idea you have to deliver it, if you can’t get people [students] on the flights, it’s a no-goer.

But Federal Education Minister Alan Tudge is on the other side of the blame game, <a href="https://www.studyinternational.com/news/australian-universities-2022/">saying, at the end of March</a>:

There is still the opportunity to bring students back in small, phased pilots. This could occur if an institution works with the state or territory government and presents a plan to us for quarantining international students […] I have discussed various plans with government and university leaders but to date have not received any concrete proposal.

This is all very confusing for the international education sector, which has come up with a number of concrete plans. Neither level of government seems to be able to either offer a sufficient explanation for why a plan it was considering was abandoned or, when an explanation is offered, when that plan may be resumed.

This creates the perception, among those working in the sector and international students, that no governments care about their fate.

South Australian and ACT plans shelved

The Australian Capital Territory and South Australia were the first jurisdictions to <a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/federal/international-students-to-fly-to-canberra-next-month-under-pilot-program-20200617-p553hb">announce plans</a> to bring back international students. In June 2020, they proposed pilots that would bring in 350 and 800 students to Canberra and Adelaide respectively. But both these plans were put on hold after Victoria’s second wave hit at the beginning of July.

The South Australian pilot was <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/international-students-set-to-fly-back-to-south-australia-from-these-nine-countries">resuscitated in November</a> — with preparations reportedly well advanced — before an outbreak later that month sent Adelaide into a snap lockdown and the pilot was again put on ice.

Not to be deterred, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr <a href="https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7051694/barr-wants-international-students-to-return-to-canberra-by-february/">announced in December</a> he had requested Commonwealth approval to bring students back by February this year, but this too was quietly shelved with no explanation given.

Victoria and NSW try and try again

In Victoria universities and student accommodation providers have put a series of proposals to the state government, the first of which were scuppered when Victoria went into extended lockdown from July during the second wave.

In <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/international-students-could-quarantine-in-hubs-from-january-20201210-p56mf7">December the Victorian government was considering</a> a plan to fly in up to 23,000 international students early in 2021, who would serve out their quarantine in student accommodation. By <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jan/15/victoria-plans-for-international-students-return-with-special-quarantine-housing">January the state government was upbeat</a> saying it was “working closely” with the federal government to finalise the plan.But that all changed in February. In a national cabinet meeting at which an international student return plan was to be agreed, Prime Minister Scott Morrison <a href="https://www.studyinternational.com/news/return-to-australia-2021/">instead said</a>:

Within weeks, a small number of cases of community transmission from a Melbourne quarantine hotel caused a snap lockdown and the cessation of incoming international flights, which only resumed in April.

It was agreed once again that the return of Australian residents is the priority in terms of arrivals to Australia. We must remember that our borders are actually shut. No one can just come to Australia.

Now that the dust appears to have settled once more, <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/universities-hatch-desperate-plan-to-fly-students-in-quarantine-them-20210406-p57gvo">Victorian universities are trying again</a>, with a proposal to fly in 1,000 students each fortnight. The state government’s response so far appears lukewarm at best.

New South Wales has also had its share of pilot announcements. A well-developed scheme to <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/hard-to-see-a-safe-corridor-nsw-shelves-plan-for-return-of-international-students-20210107-p56scz">start returning 1,000 international students</a> to Sydney each week was shelved in January after the outbreaks in the northern beaches and Western Sydney.

The NSW government subsequently tried for <a href="https://www.examiner.com.au/story/7158868/tasmania-refuses-quarantine-request-for-overseas-students-in-nsw/">international NSW university students to quarantine in Tasmania</a> before coming to Sydney. Unsurprisingly the idea was quickly quashed by the Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein.

So, what now?

Only <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-30/international-students-arrive-in-australia-coronavirus-nt/12933370">63 international students have come to Australia</a> through the Northern Territory in November 2020. They were quarantined in the Howard Springs facility. In March 2021, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-05/howard-springs-covid-quarantine-returned-passengers-expanding/13220188">Scott Morrison announced</a> the Howard Springs facility’s capacity would increase to 2,000 people per fortnight. But there is no suggestion any of those places will be available for international students.

A <a href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/research-papers/enhancing-the-design-quality-of-purpose-built-student-accommodation">recent study</a> I was involved in identified nearly 12,000 beds in student accommodation facilities in the City of Sydney and nearly 19,000 in the City of Melbourne. Using some of these properties could <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-unis-can-use-student-housing-to-solve-international-student-quarantine-issues-150180">provide a parallel quarantine pathway</a> for international students – without taking hotel quarantine spaces away from returning Australians.

New South Wales recently launched the <a href="https://www.tenders.nsw.gov.au/?event=public.scheme.showClosed&amp;RFTUUID=3E178749-AECF-E64F-52BC8491F542DAEC">International Student Accommodation Quarantine program</a>. The NSW government has invited student accommodation providers to apply to be assessed for eligibility (based on things like location and building layout) to house international students.

This is promising. We all agree bringing Australians home is a priority. But we have the capacity to bring back both. We know costs will be borne by students and education providers, and students will be subject to the same quarantine requirements and testing regimes already in place for returning Australians.

It’s just not good enough for the education minister to keep parroting the line returning Australians “<a href="https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_6238700355001">remain the priority</a>” over international students. If the government refuses to continue plans to bring students back, it must show them respect by providing a clear reason.<img alt="The Conversation" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/158778/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" width="1" wu8tx1wxf="">

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/christopher-ziguras-956941">Christopher Ziguras</a>, Professor of Global Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>

This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-government-keeps-shelving-plans-to-bring-international-students-back-to-australia-it-owes-them-an-explanation-158778">original article</a>.
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So far, only the Northern Territory has been able to bring 63 students to Australia, abysmal

The government keeps shelving plans to bring international students back to Australia

Verre in Preston, Melbourne&rsquo;s north, is a new development by Wolf &amp; Lamb on a site steeped in history.

It was one of Urban&#39;s <a href="/news/vic/urbans-most-popular-vic-projects-for-first-home-buyers-in-q1-2021">most popular VIC projects for first home buyers in Q1 2021</a>&nbsp;for a good reason, with the 57 apartment development offering luxuries inside and out.

Plus one bedroom apartments are available from as low as&nbsp;$385,000, extremely affordable for a first home buyer.

With&nbsp;one, two and three-bedroom apartments available,&nbsp;Melbourne-based architecture studio, Chamberlain Architects went all out on the design.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7275]

Previously home to&nbsp;the location of a family owned and operated glassworks Peerless Glass, once&nbsp;synonymous with glass innovation in Melbourne, the development is located in a hub of retail, transport and lifestyle activities

Situated in the heart of Preston, Verre is designed with a focus on owner-occupiers and puts residents within minutes of every convenience you could ask for.

Known for its abundance of restaurants and bars, and in close proximity to the Melbourne CBD, Preston is northside Melbourne at its finest. Nearby lifestyle offerings include Merri Creek trail and St. Georges Road bike trail.

Cafe&#39;s and eateries nearby include, Pausa Pranzo, Moon Rabbit, Pad Cha Thai and Joy Jaune

<a href="/new-apartments/glass-haus-preston-296-plenty-road-preston-vic-3072"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/verre_balcony.jpg" /></a>

Educational Facilities nearby:

<ul>
	<li>Sacred Heart School</li>
	<li>Preston South Primary School</li>
	<li>St John&#39;s College Preston</li>
	<li>Northern College of the Arts and Technology</li>
	<li>Thornbury High School</li>
	<li>La Trobe University</li>
	<li>RMIT University</li>
	<li>Monash University</li>
</ul>

Off-the-plan buyers have raved about&nbsp;the floorplans, the fixtures and finishes&nbsp;as well as the size of each apartment&nbsp;and the view to the East or West.

It is set for completion in early 2022

Previously home to ‘Peerless Glass’, once synonymous with glass innovation in Melbourne, Verre is located in a hub of retail, transport and lifestyle activities

Walking tour: The top amenities within walking distance from Preston's Verre apartments

For those&nbsp;prioritising luxury living at an affordable price in&nbsp;one of&nbsp;Melbourne premier suburbs Hawthorn,&nbsp;Dahua Group&#39;s Hawthorn Park&nbsp;is the place to be.&nbsp;

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.

It is host to a number of other resort style amenities including&nbsp;a hammock lounge, massage suites, sky boardwalk and a&nbsp;fully-equipped gym&nbsp;offering&nbsp;personal training, yoga and a meditation studio.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730]

Comprising 368 residences spread across&nbsp;seven floors and five buildings, Hawthorn Park is structured around garden vistas that feature lush greenery and resident lounges. Reflecting an emphasis on sustainability and healthy living, outdoor areas boast fruit and vegetable gardens where residents are invited to grow their own produce.

Walking right out your front door&nbsp;there&#39;s plenty of nature to experience with&nbsp;2000 square metres of parkland curated by acclaimed landscape architect Jack Merlo.

Located in one of Melbourne&rsquo;s premier suburbs of Hawthorn, the development is surrounded by heritage homes and buildings, eclectic cafes, sophisticated boutiques and bars and a well connected public transport system.

That includes major train and tram lines that provide services into the Melbourne CBD only 6 kilometres away or outer reaching suburbs with ease.

Residents will be surrounded by nature by being in walking distance of Fritsch Holzer Park and a cycle to the trail that lines the lush and peaceful Yarra River.

<a href="/buildings/hawthorn-park-33-camberwell-road-hawthorn-east"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hawthorn_park_urban_1600.jpg" /></a>

Nearby educational facilities nearby include:

<ul>
	<li>Auburn Primary School</li>
	<li>Camberwell Primary School</li>
	<li>SEDA College (Victoria)</li>
	<li>Swinburne Senior Secondary College</li>
	<li>Preshil, The Margaret Lyttle Memorial School</li>
	<li>Swinburne University of Technology</li>
	<li>University of Divinity</li>
	<li>University of Melbourne</li>
</ul>

Apartment prices for a&nbsp;one-bedroom start from&nbsp;$609,000 and&nbsp;$670,000 for a two-bedder.

The&nbsp;premium residences of Hawthorn Park&nbsp;are larger apartments and townhouses with superior high end finishes and Gaggenau appliances including a five-burner cooktop, combi steam oven, dish warming drawer and fully integrated dishwashers in the kitchen.&nbsp;

They start at&nbsp;$1,180,000 for a three-bedroom abode and $1,872,000 for a four-bedroom townhouse.

Construction has been slated for completion in late 2020.

Hawthorn park was also one of&nbsp;Urban&#39;s <a href="/news/vic/urbans-most-popular-vic-projects-for-first-home-buyers-in-q1-2021" target="_blank">most popular Victorian projects for first home buyers in Q1 2021</a>, so don&#39;t let it slip away!

Hawthorn Park boasts unparalleled amenities - from Melbourne's first sky pool and theatre rooms in selected apartments to a stunning sky lounge.

Walking Tour: What's within walking distance from Hawthorn Park?

The ongoing&nbsp;surge in home financing and purchasing as well as the rebound in home prices is being driven by a combination of record low mortgage rates, home buyer incentives and economic recovery.

This trend&nbsp;has been led&nbsp;by the enormous surge in first home buyer lending which soared to record highs due primarily to incentives like the HomeBuilder Grant and other FHB stimuli like stamp duty discounts.

Urban has&nbsp;taken a look at which suburbs have been the most popular among first home buyers in Q1 2021.

<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]

The new masterplanned 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’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 most affordable development on this list with a one bedroom abode available from $350,000.

<h2>2. Keysborough</h2>

Haven Townhomes 
Address: 42 Homeleigh Road, Keysborough VIC 3173 
Three-bedroom townhouses from $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

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>3. Southbank</h2>

Melbourne Square 
93-119 Kavanagh Street, Southbank VIC 3006 
Two-bedroom apartments from $642,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929]

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.

<h2>4. Brunswick</h2>

Canvas 
Address: 272 Barkly Street, Brunswick VIC 3056 
Two-bedroom residences from $680,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358]

ID_Land’s latest Brunswick development, Canvas offers residents a premier home with breathtaking vista's.

Designing a building offering a collection of 62 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, Rothelowman Architects has placed people at the cornerstone of their design.

Located on the building’s rooftop is a variety of communal spaces providing residential amenity and green spaces, with views of Melbourne’s city skyline and parks.

Canvas lies in the heart of Brunswick’s vibrant community with retail hotspots, diverse eateries and bustling bars that are just a short walk away.

<h2>5. Melbourne</h2>

Melbourne Grand 
Address:&nbsp;560 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 
One-bedroom apartments from $489,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490]

Winner of the HIA Victorian apartment complex of the year for 2020, the Melbourne Grand has its one-bedroom apartments starting from $489,000.

The 652-unit project, developed by Central Equity, offers generous living areas, ample storage and luxuries like a&nbsp;fully-equipped boutique cinema, state-of-the-art gymnasium and swimming pool.&nbsp;

With an entire tenth floor dedicated to resort-style facilities,&nbsp;Melbourne Grand offers an outstanding living experience rising 58-storeys above the CBD.

Designed by Guildford Bell and Graham Fisher Architects, the development features an indoor pool, gym and yoga studio, residents’ lounge and 17-seat luxe theatre.

A coffee bar and banquet room also provide the ideal setting for entertaining family or friends.

The ongoing market surge has been primarily led by FHB's. Check out the suburbs they've been searching in

Urban’s top suburbs for VIC first home buyers in Q1 2021

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With Melbourne’s best beaches at Half Moon Bay just two kilometres away, Blueprint Projects’ Sandy Hill Penthouse provides the ideal coastal getaway from busy city living.

Sandy Hill Penthouse is located in Melbourne's bayside area of Sandringham, offering residents unparalleled access to world-class amenities and timeless design by Watson Young Architects. 

With so much to love about Sandringham, overlook it all from wrap-around terrace that boasts stunning views out to the bay, city and Dandenong Ranges. 

Here are Urban's five favorite things about Sandringham:

[smartcode_project:default project_id=324]

<h2>1. Location ideal for work-life balance</h2>

Just 30 minutes from Melbourne CBD via Nepean Highway, and an hour to Mornington Peninsula, Sandy Hill could offer the perfect work-life balance, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy being on the water or amongst nature on the weekends.

Sandy Hill Penthouse in Melbourne's bayside suburb of Sandringham offers some of the most varied amenities within just two kilometres from its sought-after Bay Road location.

The residences are located in the sought after bayside area of Sandringham, with world-class amenities within walking distance from the property. 

<h2>2. Lavish Interiors</h2>

<a href="/buildings/sandy-hill-penthouse-222-bay-road-sandringham" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sandy_hil_interiors.jpg"></a>

The attention to detail of these properties is meticulous. Kitchens feature exquisite marble benchtops and splashbacks with five-burner gas hobs and lavish island breakfast bars.

Plus parquetry flooring can be found throughout the home, with built-in fireplaces creating a cosy atmosphere to sit back, relax and enjoy the panoramic views through the expansive stacker slider doors which also extend to a private balcony.

Bathrooms feature dual vanities, with stylish oval vanity mirrors and timber joinery. The walk-in shower is fully tiled, with a built-in shower nook and rainfall showerhead. 

<h2>3. Luxurious amenities inside and out</h2>

Residents will have exclusive access to a range of shared amenities, including dining facilities, a full gymnasium with state-of-the-art equipment and a stunning resort-style swimming pool.

The amenities start immediately without leaving the building, with an IGA conveniently located on the ground level of the block.

Heading east, or right, out of the front doors down Bay Road, immediately next door is the lush Bay Road Reserve and Bay Road Heathland Sanctuary, the latter protected by the City of Sandringham council as it is one of the last remaining areas of the iconic "Sandringham Flora" that once covered Melbourne's south east.

Just over 500 metres away is Fitness First, although there's a resident's only fully-equipped gym and infinity pool in the block. 

<h2>4. Enjoy the view from every room</h2>

<a href="/buildings/sandy-hill-penthouse-222-bay-road-sandringham" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sandy_hill_balcony.jpg"></a>

Luxury living has been redefined, with sensational panoramic vistas from every room, and large open plan living areas providing ample space for entertaining. 

Overlook the beautiful bay from your wrap-around terrace that boasts stunning views out to the city and Dandenong Ranges. 

<h2>5. Everything else on offer nearby</h2>

Exit to the east and on Bay Road is Bad Shepherd Brewing Co., on the corner of Bay and Reserve Road, which is just 1.3 kilometres away.

At the end of Bay Road is Westfield Southland which homes around 400 retailers.

Coming out of Sandy Hill Penthouse and turning left to the west there's a 7-eleven on the way to a short two-kilometre trip to Sandringham Station, which from there is less than a 30-minute commute into the city centre.

That's located at the south end of Sandringham Beach where there's a string of near beachside restaurants and cafe's including The Sandy, Port of Call and Black Squirrel Cafe.

Just one street behind Sandy Hill Penthouse is Sandringham College, more greenery with Merindah Park which is a few minutes away you'll find a mini golf course and a golf driving range.
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Just 30 minutes from Melbourne CBD via Nepean Highway, and an hour to Mornington Peninsula, Sandy Hill could offer the perfect work-life balance for you and yours

Five reasons why Sandy Hill penthouse in Bayside Sandringham should be on a buyers shortlist

The ongoing surge in home financing and purchasing as well as the rebound in home prices is being driven by a combination of record low mortgage rates, home buyer incentives and economic recovery.

This trend has been lead by the enormous surge in first home buyer lending which soared to record highs due primarily to incentives like the HomeBuilder Grant and other FHB stimuli like stamp duty discounts.

However investors have clearly now joined the stampede of buyers rushing housing markets, seeing an uptick in market share over February and March.

Check out what first home buyer&#39;s have been keeping an eye on in Q1, here are Urban&rsquo;s most popular FHB properties:

1. Ryrie Home, Geelong 
Address: 44 Ryrie Street, Geelong VIC 3220 
Two-bedroom apartments from $699,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559]

Ryrie Homes has been Urban&#39;s most popular investor project for Q1 2021, with the demographic likely eyeing its huge potential to downsize later in life. Also Geelong&#39;s strong performance as one of the nation&#39;s most sought-after regional areas, a trend which has only been exacerbated due to COVID-19.

Geelong, one of Australia&rsquo;s fastest-growing regional cities by the water, also has an impressive vacancy rate of around 1.4 per cent across the region.

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 investors looking for something on the more affordable side, one-bedroom apartments start at $375,000

2. Melbourne Square, Southbank 
93-119 Kavanagh Street, Southbank VIC 3006 
Two-bedroom apartments from $642,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929]

OSK Property are the group behind the&nbsp;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&nbsp;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.

3.&nbsp;Marshal Place, Williams Landing 
Address: 1 Griffiths Street, St Albans VIC 3021 
Four-bedroom townhomes from $569,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29660]

Ideal for investors 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.

Just five of the homes remain, which offer turn-key and hassle-free options and are backed with a 25-year structural guarantee.

The homes are located in close proximity to Williams Landing town centre, Altona Beach and countless educational facilities from early learning centres to university campuses.&nbsp;

4. Sky Garden, Glen Waverley 
Address: 227&nbsp;Springvale Road, Glen Waverley VIC 3150 
Two-bedroom apartments from $668,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2881]

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&#39;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.

5. Liberty One, Footscray 
Address: 1 Warde Street, Footscray VIC 3011 
Two-bedroom apartments from $630,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=709]

Liberty One, a Footscray development by Bensons Property Group, features 350 one and two-bedroom apartments from an affordable $396,000.

Designed by CHT Architects, the functional design boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, open-plan living space and private balconies, as well as amenities including a residents&rsquo; lounge, gym and outdoor cinema.

The development offers upgraded specifications with a host of &lsquo;smart home&rsquo; technology making every-day tasks seamless and easily controlled via your phone or tablet.&nbsp;

Plus premium oak floors, deluxe stone benchtop, gun-metal grey tap wear, high-end kitchen appliances add to the long list of quality inclusions.

Although the ongoing market surge has been primarily led by FHB's, investor interest has surged in February and March check out what they are interested in

Urban's most popular VIC apartments for investors in Q1 2021

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The ongoing surge in home financing and purchasing as well as the rebound in home prices is being driven by a combination of record low mortgage rates, home buyer incentives and economic recovery.

Investors have clearly now joined the stampede of buyers rushing housing markets, but the overall home loan market share of investors remains at record low levels.

Despite the fact that investor's saw an uptick in market share over February and March.

Meaning that this trend has been lead by the enormous surge in first home buyer lending which soared to record highs due primarily to incentives like the HomeBuilder Grant and other FHB stimuli like stamp duty discounts.

Check out what first home buyers have been keeping an eye on in Q1, here are Urban’s most popular FHB properties:

1. Sixth Avenue, Chelsea Heights 
Address: 15 Sixth Avenue, Chelsea Heights VIC 3196 
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.  

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.

2. Live City, Footscray 
Address: 124-188 Ballarat Road, Footscray VIC 3011 
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. Haven Townhomes, Keysborough 
Address: 42 Homeleigh Road, Keysborough VIC 3173 
Three-bedroom townhouses from $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 it's another Aultun Group development this time partnering with 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. Hawthorn Park, Hawthorn East 
Address: 33 Camberwell road, Hawthorn East VIC 3123 
Two-bedroom apartments from $670,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730]

For those first home buyers prioritising luxury living, Hawthorn Park in Melbourne's Camberwell is turning heads.

Designed by multi-award-winning architect, Rothelowman, Hawthorn Park reimagines the norm of apartment living. 

Hawthorn Park boasts unparalleled amenities - from Melbourne'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. 

Hawthorn Park is host to the priciest two-bedders on this list, however you are definitely getting the above and beyond with resort style amenities.

5. Verre, Preston 
Address: 296 Plenty Road, Preston VIC 3072 
Three-bedroom residences from $815,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7275]

Located in Melbourne’s Preston, Verre is the latest offering from the developer Wolf&amp;Lamb.

The Chamberlain Architects designed residences are an entertainers’ delight. Large balconies connect the living room to the outdoors and a rooftop terrace offers a space to host friends or relax against the Melbourne city skyline.

Situated in the heart of Preston, Verre which holds sweeping cityscape views is set for completion in early 2022.

One bedroom apartments are available from as low as $385,000, extremely affordable for a first home buyer.
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The ongoing market surge has been primarily led by FHB's, check out what they are interested in, here are Urban’s most popular properties for first home buyers over Q1:



Urban's most popular VIC projects for first home buyers in Q1 2021

Our furry friends are finally starting to get a say in whether they can stay in a strata apartment or not.

New laws have been introduced to make it easier than ever to have a&nbsp;pet&nbsp;in your apartment.

But beyond that, there are developments that welcome pets&nbsp;with open arms and even facilitate pet living and lifestyles.

Here are seven&nbsp;stunning Sydney&nbsp;apartments which welcome your dogs:

1. Beyond, Hurstville 
Address: 93 Forest Road, Hurstville NSW 2220 
Two-bedroom apartments from $850,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6798]

Beyond Hurstville is the latest project from the design-minded developer Fridcorp.

The $700 million project at 93 Forest Road, Hurstville in Sydney&#39;s south-west has 563 apartments across four towers and is set to be one of the best mixed-use developments in the suburb.

The development features a raised podium complete with a gym, yoga studio, sauna, tai chi meditation deck, community garden and a communal sports court.

Residents will be able to reserve spaces using the Beyond community mobile phone application, as well as access a virtual concierge, book a dog walking service or a personal training session.

2. Bloom Arncliffe 
Address: 213 Princes Highway, Arncliffe NSW 2205 
Two-bedroom apartments from $710,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6201]

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.

Exercise outside at the extremely walkable Gardiner Park or New Arncliffe Park, perfect for dogs.

3.&nbsp;Allium, Pagewood 
Address: 128 Bunnerong Road, Pagewood NSW 2035 
Two-bedroom apartments from $815,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7822]

Part of the master-planned Pagewood Green community, Allium offers 487 grand residences over four towers.

Developed by Meriton, the homes offer a unique opportunity to enjoy Sydney&rsquo;s eastern suburbs in a park-like community.

The residences are designed by SJB and feature fifth-floor podium gardens, an outdoor cinema and sensational vistas across the city, golf course and surrounding parklands.

4. Park Sydney, Erskineville 
Address: 149-163 Mitchell Road, Erskineville NSW 2043 
Three-bedroom apartments from $1,711,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5811]

One of the most significant new residential development Sydney-wide, Park Sydney offers considered design and communal amenities to families looking for a community feel and established neighbourhood.

Boasting an unbeatable location, the development is located just four-kilometres from the Sydney CBD and an easy walk to Erskineville Station. Close to top universities, major employment hubs and elite schools, such as Newington College, Park Sydney meets the needs of the whole family.

The masterplanned community includes 7,400 sqm of parkland and play areas with BBQ facilities, amphitheatres, walkways and cycleways.

5. Orchid, Eastgardens 
Address: 9 Oscar Place, Eastgardens NSW 2036 
Two-bedroom apartments from $835,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29389]

Orchid, the final stage of Meriton&rsquo;s masterplanned Pagewood Green development in Eastgardens, offers a &ldquo;residential oasis&rdquo; within Sydney&rsquo;s East, according to the project marketing.

Offering residents an ideal natural setting to recharge, the development is located nearby surrounding parklands, sporting fields and recreation facilities, including Centennial Park, Lakes Golf Course and the urban bushland at Moore Park.

Plenty of places to take the dog for a stroll, or to fetch a ball.

6. Reflections, Rhodes 
Address:44 Shoreline Drive, Rhodes NSW 2138 
Two bedroom residences from $840,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=25478]

Meriton&rsquo;s final waterfront development at the Rhodes Peninsula is Reflections which has never to be built out views.

Designed by Meriton&#39;s in-house team, the low-density collection of 94 apartments feature enclosed balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of the surrounding views.

Just over 10 minutes&rsquo; drive from Macquarie Park, the project enjoys a real community feel with a 300 sqm private park, 25-metre heated pool, sauna and gym among its offerings.

7. 180 George Street, Parramatta 
Address: 180 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 
Two-bedroom apartments from $715,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590]

Meriton&rsquo;s world-class 180 George development brings together beautifully designed residences with the ideal lifestyle amenities to suit everyone.

Designed by Woods Bagot, the 767-apartment development features communal open space, including rooftop gardens, a sundrenched podium terrace and a barbeque area.

The 1,200 sqm podium gardens complement the adjoining 58-level hotel suites tower.

Hailed as Parramatta&rsquo;s tallest residential tower, take your dog for a walk by the water in its shade.

Although many apartment building used to not allow animals, there are developments that welcome pets, dogs in particular with open arms and even facilitate pet living and lifestyles

Top seven Sydney apartments perfect for dogs

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jordan Fidler

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