Haven Townhomes, in the family-friendly suburb of Keysborough, 27 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, has proven&nbsp;popular in the past few months with more than 75 per cent of the 59 townhomes already sold.

The development has been featured multiple times on Urban&#39;s most popular projects among&nbsp;first home buyers and investors, due to its larger, and more affordable townhouses.

Aultun Property Group developed the townhouse collection, which was&nbsp;designed by the highly regarded Cera Stribley Architects, the design team behind luxury developments like Edition in Toorak and Tate in Kew.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8082 project_image_fid=59641]

There are currently only a handful three-bedroom townhomes still for sale, priced from $714,000.

Situated surrounded by thriving wetlands and meandering walking trails, each of the 59 Haven Townhomes are in a prime position for sweeping views, access to nature and convenient amenities.

Each home itself is surrounded by verdant greenery, and the Haven Gardens is a central feature of the development, offering residents a green community space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8082 project_image_fid=59637]

Part of the appeal of Keysborough is it&#39;s strong investment fundamentals,&nbsp;the suburb has continued to develop infrastructure and facilities to meet growing&nbsp;demand, including golf courses, shopping centres and wetlands.

Completion has been&nbsp;estimated for December this year.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=8082]

The development has been featured multiple times on Urban's most popular projects among first home buyers and investors, as it has been well received throughout 2021

jordan_55689

Haven Townhomes in Keysborough more than 75% sold

ID_Land’s latest Brunswick development, Canvas, offers residents a premier home with both breathtaking vista's and convenience.

Designing a building offering a collection of 62 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, the award-winning 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 facilities and green spaces, with views of Melbourne’s city skyline and parks.

Brimming with amenity, the project boasts a communal lounge area, kitchen and entertainment dining, providing a refreshing work from home space or a quiet corner for a good book.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358 project_image_fid=85958]

The apartments are described as a&nbsp;blank canvas, designed to fulfill resident's needs&nbsp;through clean&nbsp;open-plan living.

Floor-to-ceiling windows provide connectivity to Melbourne, casting light on&nbsp;timber floorboards. The synergy between neutral interiors and the exteriors homage to Brunswick's industrial heritage inspire the ideal of hardwork and creativity a blank slate brings.

Canvas is located in close proximity to the Melbourne CBD, among&nbsp;universities and a short walk from Princes Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358 project_image_fid=85966]

Situated on the bustling Barkly Street, Canvas provides absolute convenience with private and secure access to an on-grade car park, with no car lifts or parking stackers.

Each apartment also benefits from at least one bike space and on-site bike maintenance facilities are available.

Green living was taken as a requirement with additions such as all communal areas in the complex make use of solar technology and the rooftop garden collects rainwater for greywater harvesting diminishing the building carbon footprint.

Canvas has a&nbsp;walk score of 97/100, located less than a minute from nearby shops and just three minutes&nbsp;walk to the nearest tram stop.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=29358]

ID_Land’s latest Brunswick development, Canvas, offers residents a premier home with both breathtaking vista's and convenience

Rediscover working from home at ID_Land's Canvas in Brunswick

The number of new loan commitments amongst owner occupiers (rightsizers) while&nbsp;beginning&nbsp;to taper off, remains up 33.5 per cent for the year,&nbsp;according to the ABS.

While not as exaggerated as earlier this year, ABS data shows that new loan commitments by the demographic&nbsp;fallen most strongly across newly built dwellings.&nbsp;

This can be attributed in part to spring selling season with the market's stock growing and reducing the competition as demand wavers, while the skyrocketing growth towards the start of 2021 was due in part largely to a number of government initiatives including the HomeBuilder Grant.

Despite this new and existing owner occupier&nbsp;loan commitments have continued to make solid ground. Urban has highlighted the developments in the suburbs most popular amongst rightsizers&nbsp;for the month of September.

<h2>Hawthorn East</h2>

Hawthorn East is consistent feature on the most popular investor and first home buyer&nbsp;suburbs list as one of&nbsp;Melbourne’s most blue chip suburbs.

One development highlighting this nature is Hawthorn Park, close to the shops and restaurants on Glenferrie, Burke, Auburn, Burwood, and Riversdale Roads.

The recently completed&nbsp;Hawthorn East development is surrounded by heritage homes and buildings, cafes, boutiques and bars, in addition to a well connected public transport system.

Dahua Group had architecture firm ROTHELOWMAN, one of Australia’s leading architecture practices, collaborate with the landscape architect Jack Merlo on the Camberwell Road development of 330 residences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=171604]

Residents enjoy the property’s landscaped green spaces and parks that feature fruit and vegetable gardens for dwellers to grow their own produce. The project also features a sky boardwalk, splash pool, sky lounge, massage suites and fully-equipped gym.

<h2>Brunswick</h2>

Brunswick is a popular spot for the owner occupier demographic, among first homer buyers and those buying their second home and beyond in Melbourne's north.

When COVID lockdowns lift, Brunswick will again be home to live music, upbeat pubs and beer gardens. At the area's heart,&nbsp;Sydney Road&nbsp;has Middle Eastern and Mediterranean eateries, offbeat shops, shisha lounges and cafes along its considerable length. Neighbouring East Brunswick is more upscale, home to upwardly mobile professionals and craft-beer bars.

It is a true lifestyle destination with 4 Ballarat Street proven consistently popular in the area, due in large part to it's location.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94542 project_image_fid=160734]

Located in the heart of Brunswick, a popular location for cafes and restaurants,&nbsp;Assemble&nbsp;Futures are also&nbsp;offering a&nbsp;rent-with-the-option-to-buy model which has made this development particularly popular amongst first home buyers.

Designed by&nbsp;Fieldwork Architects&nbsp;and with landscaping by Rush Wright, 4 Ballarat places an emphasis on providing a seamless transition to the natural environment, with each apartment running on 100% renewable energy.&nbsp;

<h2>Geelong</h2>

Geelong has remained consistently popular among buyers of every demographic, making an appearance on many of Urban's top investors suburb lists.&nbsp;

For good reason, as one of Urban's most popular projects, Ryrie Home, find's itself in Geelong. Ryrie Home sits in the heart of the regional city’s art precinct, pitching its proximity to Melbourne and cheaper housing prices as a drawcard for investors and owner-occupiers alike.

The project was listed as Urban's most popular investor project for Q1 2021 thanks to Geelong’s low vacancy rate of 1.7 per cent and the 10 per cent per annum growth in apartments over the last three years.

The transport improvements in Geelong, including the $100 million fast rail and the $6.7 billion Westgate Tunnel which will shave 20 minutes off any commute, has rightsizers keen on securing a property in the growing area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88243]

Designed by Architectus, the project boasts an authoritative and restrained grid façade, pedestrian laneways, commercial retail, and F&amp;B spaces, as well as hotel and residential lobbies.

<h2>Chelsea Heights</h2>

Chelsea Heights, in Melbourne’s exclusive Bayside precinct, is one of the most-sought after, and most expensive, areas of real estate in Victoria.

So it's no surprise that Sixth Avenue's premium location appeals to all kinds of owner occupiers.&nbsp;Chelsea Heights features great access to arterial roads such as the Mornington Peninsula Freeway, Eastlink, Nepean Highway and Beach Road.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32136 project_image_fid=93835]

Designed by Point Architects in the near coastal suburb Chelsea Heights, south-east of Melbourne, Sixth Avenue features light-filled interiors, bespoke landscaping and recreational amenities within easy reach. &nbsp;

Boasting a collection of 59 two, three and four-bedroom residences, they are surprisingly affordable&nbsp;with prices starting from just $630,000 for a two bedroom townhouse and $730,000 for a three bedder.

The number of new loan commitments amongst owner occupiers (rightsizers) while beginning to taper off, remains up 33.5 per cent for the year, according to the ABS

The most popular Melbourne suburbs for rightsizers in September

New South Wales has finally ended blanket bans on pets in apartments, following in the footsteps of Queensland and the ACT.

Victoria made some progress last year, although not to the same extent with reforms preventing landlords from unreasonably restricting pets. The Northern Territory is following suit.

South Australia has pet agreements, required for any lease, allowing pets with ground rules in place for property maintenance and management.

Western Australia has a $260 pet bond, to be taken when a pet is named on the lease for fumigation at vacancy, Tasmania has a similar system albeit without the bond.

The NSW&rsquo;s reforms are related to strata title, as until these changes, most strata titles included a blanket pet ban. Historically NSW has had the most complex regulations surrounding pets and strata.&nbsp;

Now instead of strata laws, it&rsquo;s owners corporations and landlords. The NSW government has said they can still refuse to keep an animal if there is &ldquo;repeated damage of the common property, menacing behaviour, persistent noise and odour.&rdquo;

Owners corporations will also have the right to set conditions about how pets are kept, such as requiring supervision on common property or while entering and exiting an entrance or lift.

The government says these conditions must be &ldquo;reasonable&rdquo;, but there are currently NO guidelines.

Some actions such as restricting the size of a home&#39;s pet, not uncommon in the past, were found in a report prepared as part of the NSW legislation review to be unreasonable. However, this is not specified in the law that was passed.

Close to 2.5 million Australians are living in apartments and a third of Australian households rent their homes. So with the number of renter&rsquo;s rising in the wake of property prices continuing to outpace wage growth, there is a need for consistent, equitable and pet-supportive housing rental policies across the country.

With such inconsistencies across Australia, and changes only finally occurring in the past 2-3 years, there is a lot of uncertainty for renters and pets often become the victim, as more than 60% of households include a pet.

Pets are part of the family, and this he been demonstrated over and over, especially during lockdown with mental health studies and surveys demonstrating the benefits of an animal on mental health

Dogs are the best examples of this, shown to increase daily exercise across all age groups.

There are even benefits for landlords, with US research suggesting that households with pets stayed in rental properties longer than those that did not have pets. This brings longer-term, more secure rent to property owners.&nbsp;

In spite of this as recently as 2018/19 pet bans have been sweeping and widespread in many rental properties, apartment buildings in particular are the biggest offender.&nbsp;

Emma Power of WSU during a 2016 survey found,&rdquo; that pet ownership can trigger feelings of housing insecurity for Sydney&rsquo;s renter households.&rdquo;

Roughly half of those surveyed who declared their pets when they applied for properties had been given pet ownership as the reason their application was rejected.

Mrs Powers said, these figures are likely to represent only a small proportion of those who have been rejected for pet ownership as reasons for rejection are rarely provided.

Most doggedly concerned landlords are simply barking up the wrong tree with many studies showing that the majority of landlords who worried about pets had zero first hand experience with such problems. Even when damage occurred it was significantly less than the average deposit, or pet-bond.

Barking up the right tree: A guide to renting with pets in Australia

The award-winning&nbsp;Queensland developer, Aria Property Group, are taking the resident amenity to the next level in the latest South Brisbane apartment development, Trellis.

They&#39;re offering residents offer 1,100 sqm of facilities scattered throughout the 13-level, Rothelowman-designed development, crowned by the most impressive amenity of all, the Residents&#39; Rooftop Club.

That will feature&nbsp;an&nbsp;infinity pool with views across Brisbane, a hot &amp; cold magnesium bath, a lounge, public barbecue areas, and a private dining room.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108278 project_image_fid=173599]

The ground-level homes the Temple of Wellness, designed to be in-keeping with the lush foliage throughout the development.

A series of&nbsp;gardens line the path&nbsp;to the Temple of Wellness, where residents will walk through the cascading waterfall to&nbsp;a fully equipped fitness centre and meditation zone, home to weights, pilates reformers, cardiovascular equipment and meditation pods.

Aria Living also offers complimentary group yoga and group personal training fortnightly.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108278 project_image_fid=173615]

Residents at Trellis will also have access to&nbsp;a podcast/boardroom, serving as a multi-use space for working at home. There&#39;s also a&nbsp;Residents&rsquo; Wine Cellar.

Apartments in Trellis start from $739,000 for an apartment with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Three-bedroom apartments are priced from $1,084,000.

Completion is slated for mid-2023.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=108278]

The ground-level homes the Temple of Wellness, designed to be in-keeping with the lush foliage throughout the development

Aria offer over 1,100 sqm of resort-style amenity at Trellis, South Brisbane apartments

As house, land and apartment prices soar to record highs across Australia, the barrier to entry on the property market has become an even&nbsp;more distant dream for some.

The great Australian dream of owning seems farther than ever and this holds especially true on the income of a single person, with more and more Aussies holding out on buying their first home, or any home until they have a partner.

Some however have turned to co-ownership.

It&rsquo;s a natural extension for some, to go from renting a property with their best friend or siblings, to owning one together.&nbsp;

In NSW in particular, there have been a growing number of property co-owners who are not married or in a de-facto relationship with their co-owner.

Not only is this happening among&nbsp;friends and family, property co-ownership is even occurring among strangers, with new proptech firms, such as BrickX and DomaCom,&nbsp;focusing on fractional ownership.

BrickX focuses on individual houses and units, where investors can buy Bricks that make up a percentage of the value of the property.

A Brick&rsquo;s value will change depending on the most recent evaluation of the property&rsquo;s value as well as what people are willing to pay, similar to the stock market, it&rsquo;s speculative.

DomaCom operates in a similar fashion, but with investments on a larger scale across many segments of the market, where purchasers are locked in for a certain period of time.

The newest co-ownership proptech is Mortgage Mates, described as something similar to a dating website for home ownership.

Calling themselves, &ldquo;the Bumble of home ownership,&rdquo; they match clients with other individuals (Mates) who have the same housing preferences, to own and live in a home together.

A more established example is Co-Own.com.au where multiple parties have a purely business relationship with just one party/person as the owner occupier.

There are different pro&rsquo;s and con&rsquo;s to shared ownership of a property amongst friends, family and strangers.

The main positives of co-ownership are mainly the normal benefits of owning a property, quicker access to the housing market, safer and more flexible investment options and not &ldquo;throwing your money away&rdquo; on rent.

Negatives abound, changes can arrive in your relationship with the friends you are co-owning with, they could find a partner, have a child, fall ill, default on the loan or even have a falling out with you.

The best way to mitigate some negatives is a contract and for services like Co-Own.com.au, they even recommend a property manager, but these can only do so much.

It’s a natural extension for some, to go from renting a property with their best friend or siblings, to owning one together

What is home co-ownership and can it put you on the fast track to owning your home?

Buyers could be set to save up to $34,000 on apartments in the contemporary new Perth apartment development, Bloom Residences, in the city's affluent suburb of Nedlands.

The Melbourne-based Blueways Group are developing Bloom Residences, with the local Aria Land acting as the development manager.

Every one of the 38, Hassell-designed one, two and three bed apartments fall in to the current Western Australia&nbsp;pre-construction rebate.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93813 project_image_fid=178504]

The Western Australian State Budget offered a rebate of up to $50,000 of transfer duty for buyers who signed pre-construction contracts for a residential apartment in multi-tiered strata.

Originally due to expire in October 2021, the scheme has been extended to&nbsp;24 October 2023, at a reduced rate of 50 per cent (down from 75 per cent).

The scheme will operate for pre-construction contracts entered into between 23 October 2019 and 24 October 2023, capped at a maximum rebate of $50,000.

Buyers in Bloom would save $8,288&nbsp;on a&nbsp;$475,000, one-bedroom apartment,&nbsp;$17,677 on a&nbsp;two-bed plus multi-purpose room, priced from $859,000, and&nbsp;$33,925 on the large $1.49 million,&nbsp;three-bedroom apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93813 project_image_fid=178506]

Located on Broadway in Nedlands, each one, two and three bed design offers an open-plan layout, with premium finishes, stone benchtops and Miele appliances. Every apartment comes with its&nbsp;own balcony or terrace.

Featuring Swan River and city views, it is close to some of Perth's finest shops, cafes, bars and transport links. It is also within the catchment of some of Perth’s most prestigious primary schools, namely&nbsp;Nedlands Primary School and&nbsp;Loreto Nedlands Primary School.

Amenities include a residents-only gym, large purpose-built lounge space, communal dining areas, private landscaped communal gardens and more.

More than 30 per cent&nbsp;of the 38 apartments have already sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93813 project_image_fid=178504]

Every one of the 38, Hassell-designed one, two and three bed apartments fall in to the current Western Australia pre-construction rebate

How Blueways Group are offering affordable entry in to Perth's affluent Nedlands with Bloom Residences apartments

The latest Perth development from the Blueways Group, who have partnered with Aria Land for the luxury apartment project, Rivean Residences, has been strategically located in the heart of everything Nedlands has to offer.

Rivean, a collection of just 28 contemporary apartments designed by the respected architect and builder Giorgi, are located at 139 Broadway, a stone&#39;s throw east to Matilda Bay Reserve and the Swan River.

At Matilda Bay Reserve is the local yacht club, as well as Matilda Bay restaurant and Bayside Kitchen. The closest grassy area bordering the Swan River is JH Abrahams Reserve and Charles Court Reserve, separated by JoJo&#39;s Cafe.

To the west, also within a five minute walk, is Melvista Park, where there&#39;s the Nedlands Croquet Club, Tennis Club, and Golf Club.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95299 project_image_fid=178800]

Within driving distance is Claremont Quarter, which offers a number of shopping options. Closer to home are some more local Nedlands dining options, including the popular Marumo, Chez Pierre, and Steves Nedlands.

Under 500 metres away is also a campus for the University of Western Australia.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95299 project_image_fid=178802]

Over 50 percent of the two and three bedroom apartments have been sold with prices starting from $909,000 for the two bedroom apartments. The three-bedroom apartments are priced from $1,139,000.

Construction is scheduled for November 2021,&nbsp;with completion estimated for 2023.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=95299]

Located in leafy Nedlands, Rivean enjoys close proximity to the city, Swan River and premier shopping and dining destinations

Bordered by Swan River foreshore: How Rivean Residences fit in to Perth's affluent Nedlands

First home buyers are continuing their property search as we head in to the summer selling season.

While ABS data showed first home buyer&nbsp;loan commitments have tapered off for the seventh month in a row, Urban are still seeing a significant uptake from first home buyers, as much as there was during the HomeBuilder boom earlier this year.

First home buyers are still making up&nbsp;more than a quarter of new owner occupier loans, as developers and agents cite continued strong interest from the segment.

ABS data shows new first home buyer commitments remain more than 50 per cent higher compared to this time last year.

With first home buyer loan commitments still holding strong, Urban has highlighted the developments in the suburbs most popular amongst first home buyers for the month of September.

<h2>Brunswick</h2>

Brunswick has always been a popular spot for the younger, first home buyer demographi.

When COVID lockdowns lift, the eclectic suburb in Melbourne's north&nbsp;will again be home to live music, upbeat pubs and beer gardens.

At the area's heart, Sydney Road has Middle Eastern and Mediterranean eateries, offbeat shops, shisha lounges and cafes along its considerable length. Neighbouring East Brunswick is more upscale, home to upwardly mobile professionals and craft-beer bars.

One of the most in demand projects on Urban for first home buyers has been&nbsp;4 Ballarat Street, namely down to its location and&nbsp;affordability. Prices&nbsp;start&nbsp;as low as&nbsp;$467,500 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Located in the heart of Brunswick, the development team at Assemble&nbsp;Futures operate on a&nbsp;rent-with-the-option-to-buy model, which has made this development particularly popular amongst first home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94542 project_image_fid=160739]

The new rent-with-the-option-to-buy model offers a more accessible pathway to owning a home, that bridges the gap between renting and buying. Once the applicant signs the lease agreement and contract of sale, they secure five years agreed rent with the option to buy their home at the end of the lease period.

Designed by Fieldwork Architects and with landscaping by Rush Wright, 4 Ballarat places an emphasis on providing a seamless transition to the natural environment, with each apartment running on 100% renewable energy. This also appeals to the more&nbsp;environmentally conscious younger generations.

<h2>Melbourne</h2>

The stamp duty concessions in the CBD has increased its popularity with first home buyers, as those looking and getting on the ladder for the first time are eyeing somewhere near the central office hub of the city.

Home to some of Melbourne’s best cultural and entertainment venues, as well as an eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants, cafe's and everything in between, residents love Degraves Street and the Bourke Street Mall in particular. Shoppers can get lost for hours, while diners can find an ideal meal at any price point.&nbsp;

It is also home to a&nbsp;bumping nightlife with clubs and bars renowned across Australia.

One of the latest popular developments on the Melbourne CBD fringe is&nbsp;St Boulevard, the three-tower project by The Shakespeare Group.&nbsp;

Recently completed, St Boulevard offers an unrepeatable location, located in a prime position on the corner of St Kilda Rd and High Street, and at the southern tip of Albert Park Lake,&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1260 project_image_fid=177638]

Apartments start from $410,000 in the Elenberg-Fraser designed development.

St Boulevard is&nbsp;made up of three towers Magnolia, Anaca and Ginko, and puts residents on the fringes of Albert and Fawkner Parks. It's&nbsp;a short stroll to the&nbsp;St Kilda and Prahran precincts.

&nbsp;

<h2>Keysborough</h2>

The family-friendly suburb of Keysborough,&nbsp;27 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, continues to be popular with first home buyers and young families, due to its larger, and more affordable, apartments and townhouses.

The hottest project is&nbsp;Haven Townhomes, the townhouse development created by Aultun Group and design by Cera Stribley Architects.

There are three-bedroom townhomes on offer, priced from $714,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8082 project_image_fid=59639]

Situated surrounded by thriving wetlands and meandering walking trails, each of the 59 Haven Townhomes are in a prime position for sweeping views, access to nature and convenient amenities.

<h2>Hawthorn East</h2>

Hawthorn East is usually a feature on the most popular investor suburbs but it isn't the first-time it has shown up on the most popular first home buyer list, with Dahua Group's&nbsp;Hawthorn Park recently completion being a factor.&nbsp;

Located in one of Melbourne’s most blue chip suburbs, the Hawthorn East development is surrounded by heritage homes and buildings, cafes, boutiques and bars, in addition to&nbsp;a well connected public transport system.

Dahua Group&nbsp;had architecture firm&nbsp;Rothelowman, one of Australia’s leading architecture practices, collaborate with the landscape architect&nbsp;Jack Merlo&nbsp;on the Camberwell Road development of 330 residences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=171605]

Residents enjoy the property’s landscaped green spaces and parks that feature fruit and vegetable gardens for dwellers to grow their own produce. The project also features a sky boardwalk, splash pool, sky lounge, massage suites and fully-equipped gym.

<h2>Wollert</h2>

Discerning first home buyers with an eye on future infrastructure growth have been looking at Wollert, the growing area 26 kilometres north of Melbourne.

The future 64-hectare master-planned community, Mason Quarter, has been the most sought-after project in Wollert.

Delivered by Cedar Woods, Mason Quarter&nbsp;incorporates over 800 dwellings, two schools, community facilities, a 7.9-hectare conservation reserve and over 30 distributed tree reserves with majestic river red gums.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95340 project_image_fid=160803]

Mason Quarter offers buyers the choice of either land starting from as low as&nbsp;$275,500 for a 238 sqm package to build their dream home or a residence in one of their releases like Mason Quarter Townhomes.

The community is&nbsp;located within walking distance of the future&nbsp;Wollert&nbsp;town centre and there is a range of existing infrastructure and public amenity available nearby including the Hume Freeway, Metropolitan Ring Road, hospitals, shopping centres and public transport.

ABS data shows new first home buyer commitments remain more than 50 per cent higher compared to this time last year.



Urban's most popular Melbourne suburbs for first home buyers in September

A partnership between Aria Land and Blueways Group has led to several new Nedlands apartment developments with the most popular so far being Rivean Residences.

The boutique apartment development comprises just 28 apartments with&nbsp;design&nbsp;handled by Giorgi an integrated architecture studio and building company behind award-winning projects like Echelon Residences, Caversham and 10BVT.

Giorgi&#39;s philosophy is instead of being separate processes, architecture and construction are unified from the outset, leading to smarter solutions as well as a more streamlined&nbsp;process.

&quot;Rivean draws on local historical materials and innovative design techniques to spark a revitalization of the surrounding community,&quot;&nbsp;Giorgi says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95299 project_image_fid=178805]

&quot;The design is responsive to the environment, providing excellent access to natural light, fresh air and generous outdoor space, whilst also offering a range of spaces and activities that will promote a sense of community.&quot;

Over 50 percent of the two and three bedroom apartments have been sold.&nbsp;We&#39;ve looked at the floorplans on offer.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95299 project_image_fid=178800]

<ul>
	<li>Two Bed | Two Bath | Zero - One Study&nbsp;| 20&nbsp;-&nbsp; 68 sqm Balcony/Terrace&nbsp;| 115&nbsp;- 183&nbsp;sqm | $909,000+</li>
	<li>Three Bed | Two - Three Bath&nbsp;| Zero - One Study&nbsp;| 24&nbsp;- 116&nbsp;sqm Balcony/Terrace&nbsp;| 162&nbsp;- 277&nbsp;sqm | $1,139,000 +&nbsp;(pictured below is the Type K)</li>
	<li>Penthouse&nbsp;|&nbsp;Three Bed | Two - Three Bath | One Study&nbsp;| 81&nbsp;- 130&nbsp;sqm Balcony/Terrace&nbsp;| 296&nbsp;- 367&nbsp;sqm |&nbsp;Over $1.8 million</li>
</ul>

<img alt="" height="663" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/rivean_type_k_0.jpg" width="593" />

Rivean Residences offers spacious living areas with an open indoor/outdoor&nbsp;flow between balconies and terraces, with a vista down Broadway towards the Nedlands foreshore.

There are high class finishes throughout Rivean, including Miele appliances, a choice of 3 designer selected colour schemes, engineered timber flooring and several car spaces depending on the apartment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95299 project_image_fid=178815]

The two penthouses see an even higher level across larger spaces, holding the best views in the development.

Situated at 139 Broadway, Kings Park is just moments away, together with the many offerings of nearby Elizabeth Quay and the Foreshore parks.

Construction is scheduled for November 2021,&nbsp;with completion estimated for 2023.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=95299]

"Rivean draws on local historical materials and innovative design techniques to spark a revitalization of the surrounding community," Giorgi says

Inside the luxury Giorgi-designed Nedlands apartments, Rivean Residences

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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